Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Saudi Arabia this week marks a significant milestone in the growing relationship between the two nations, underscoring deepened cooperation in politics, commerce, technology, and energy. Li’s stop in Riyadh on 11 September was the first leg of a Gulf tour that also includes a visit to the United Arab Emirates, highlighting China’s expanding presence and influence in the Middle East.
During his stay in Riyadh, Premier Li met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for what was the the fourth meeting of the high-level Saudi-Chinese joint committee. Officially announced at the meeting, the China-Saudi Arabia Year of Culture 2025 is set to be a major initiative aimed at deepening cultural ties between the two nations, building upon their strategic partnership. The event will include a variety of cultural exchanges, activities, and collaborations designed to foster greater understanding between Chinese and Saudi citizens. Areas of focus will include arts, education, media, and non-governmental exchanges, enhancing people-to-people connections.
This cultural year will not only strengthen diplomatic relations but also enhance tourism opportunities, as Chinese outbound tourism to Saudi Arabia is expected to grow, particularly in the high-end sector.
On a broader spectrum, the two leaders held discussions centred on bolstering their already strong bilateral relationship, touching on a wide array of sectors including politics, security, commerce, energy, investment, culture, and technology. According to the Saudi Press Agency, both leaders emphasised the importance of continued collaboration in these areas, as well as finding new opportunities for partnership.
The Crown Prince held an official luncheon in honour of the Chinese premier.
Attending the meeting from the Saudi side were Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi (accompanying minister), Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary, Governor of the Public Investment Fund Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Al-Harbi.
Attending from the Chinese side were Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua, and several other officials.
China and Saudi Arabia have seen their economic ties grow exponentially in recent years. China now accounts for nearly a quarter of Saudi Arabia’s crude oil exports, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between the world’s largest oil exporter and the globe’s second-largest economy. This energy partnership remains a cornerstone of the nations’ collaboration, but recent meetings have also focused on diversifying the relationship into non-oil sectors like technology, culture, and defense.
Economic cooperation and trade
Li’s visit was marked by meetings with key Saudi business leaders, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation. He highlighted China’s commitment to increasing bilateral trade and investment, assuring Saudi businesses that China would continue easing market access for foreign investors. This effort is aimed at fostering a robust environment for joint ventures, particularly in sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and energy.
The premier’s message to Saudi businesses was clear: China sees tremendous potential for growth in the Saudi market, especially in light of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, benefits from China’s large-scale industrial capacity and growing technological advancements. Li urged businesses from both nations to seize the opportunity for mutual growth and success.
Key role of tourism in Saudi-Chinese relations
Tourism was another focus during Premier Li’s visit. Saudi Arabia has been keen to position itself as a top destination for Chinese outbound tourism, especially within the luxury and high-end travel sectors. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, was present for the meetings, reflecting the Kingdom’s ambition to attract more Chinese tourists as part of its wider tourism goals under Vision 2030. With China’s growing middle class and increasing interest in international travel, Chinese tourists are expected to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism industry, especially in the premium sector.
Saudi Arabia is ramping up its efforts to cater to Chinese travellers, with new initiatives aimed at enhancing travel experiences, such as Mandarin-speaking tour guides and curated experiences in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. And with the planned launch of the China-Saudi Arabia Year of Culture in 2025, the cultural exchange between the two nations is expected to lay the groundwork for sustainable tourism growth.
A historic partnership
The visit further strengthened the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, which extends beyond economic ties to diplomatic and cultural cooperation. Both nations have strategically aligned their national development plans—China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—creating a foundation for long-term collaboration on projects like the futuristic NEOM city and large-scale infrastructure development.
Li’s visit also reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics at play. With China positioning itself as a neutral actor in key Middle Eastern issues, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its role in mediating a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China’s growing influence in the region is undeniable.
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