Xiplomacy: Xi's remarks on bolstering ties with Saudi Arabia

RIYADH -- In his phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on Friday morning, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the strategic and overarching significance of China-Saudi Arabia relations.

Over the past year, China and Saudi Arabia have joined their efforts and moved forward together, facilitating new development in bilateral ties, Xi said.

The Chinese side supports Saudi Arabia in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and stability, and in independently exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions, Xi stressed.

Xi has, on many occasions, affirmed his commitment to promoting cooperation with Saudi Arabia at various levels. The following are some highlights of his remarks in this regard.

April 20, 2021

In a phone conversation with the crown prince, Xi said that China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia and other members of the international community to build an equitable climate governance regime that is cooperative and beneficial to all.

He also called for concerted efforts to push for a comprehensive and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Feb 6, 2020

During a phone conversation with King Salman, Xi said he deeply appreciates that King Salman and the Saudi side have repeatedly expressed their firm support to China at this critical moment when China is fighting the novel coronavirus, which has fully demonstrated the sincere friendship and the high level of comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

He also said that the Chinese side will keep on working with all countries, including Saudi Arabia, to jointly handle the epidemic, and maintain public health safety in the region and around the world in the spirit of openness and transparency.

Feb 22, 2019

When meeting with the crown prince at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi said that China regards Saudi Arabia as a good friend and partner and is ready to work jointly with Saudi Arabia to build on past achievements to open up a new horizon for bilateral friendship and strategic relationship.

China and Saudi Arabia should continue to extend mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns and promote political mutual trust, he said.

China firmly supports Saudi Arabia's efforts on promoting economic diversification and social reforms and safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and stability, stated Xi, saying that China opposes any moves to interfere in Saudi Arabia's internal affairs.

Nov 16, 2017

In a phone conversation with King Salman, Xi said China's determination to deepen strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia will not waver, no matter how the international and regional situation alters.

Remarking on the importance of maintaining close communication between the two countries' heads of state, Xi said China and Saudi Arabia were comprehensive strategic partners with deepening strategic mutual trust and win-win cooperation.

China supports Saudi Arabia's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and realize greater development, the Chinese president said.

March 16, 2017

During their talks in Beijing, Xi and visiting King Salman have agreed the two countries will step up cooperation in all areas and push forward their all-round strategic partnership.

China supports Saudi Arabia as it advances on a development path suitable to its national conditions, maintains national sovereignty, security and development interests, and plays greater role in regional and global affairs, Xi said.

China is a reliable and stable market for Saudi Arabia's oil, Xi said, calling for closer cooperation in such areas as energy, communication, aviation, finance and investment, culture, education, public health, technology, tourism, media and security.

Jan 19, 2016

"Since China and Saudi Arabia forged diplomatic ties 26 years ago, our relationship has developed by leaps and bounds, with mutual political trust deepening continuously and rich results in cooperation in various fields," Xi said in written remarks upon arrival in his first visit to Saudi Arabia.

Xi and King Salman decided to lift bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"I believe it will deepen the mutual strategic trust, lead to greater achievements in our mutually beneficial cooperation, and help facilitate and broaden our shared interests in international and regional affairs," Xi said on the upgrade of bilateral ties.