China: President Mr. Xi Jinping will attend the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh. It is the Chinese leader’s third trip to abroad since the coronavirus pandemic began and his first to Saudi Arabia.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already confirmed the visit in a brief statement. Ministry Spokesperson Mr. Hua Chunying said Mr. Xi would make a state visit to Saudi Arabia and attend the first China-Arab States. Initial agreements worth $29.26 billion will be signed during the bilateral summit, as per the reports.

The President got an invitation from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman “to bolster historic ties and strategic partnership between the two countries”, the officials stated.

The visit takes place as China seeks to strengthen its ties with Middle East nations in the face of worsening relations with the United States and other Western countries. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have been strengthening their ties with Russia and China in recent years as they have questioned the security collaboration that had supported relations over the previous decades.

The visit provides Riyadh with the most prominent platform to highlight its power as a trading partner and growing influence as a global voice. According to the statement, Chinese flags have been hung across Riyadh and in ceremonial halls where Mr. Xi will be received. Gulf leaders and business figures were expected to arrive, with many receiving hurried invitations earlier this week.

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