FILE PHOTO: Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China September 4, 2016. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
Reuters: China’s Xi to arrive in Riyadh on Wednesday to meet Saudi and Arab leaders
DUBAI (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for a two-day visit that will include meetings with several Arab leaders, the Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Tuesday.
The visit is aimed at developing economic ties and strengthening what SPA described as a “strategic partnership” between China and Saudi Arabia, its main oil supplier, with dozens of agreements expected on energy and investments.
However, Xi may also discuss regional security with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his first visit to the kingdom since early 2016 and at a low point in Riyadh’s ties with its main foreign partner, the United States.
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WNU Editor: This is going to be a teachable moment on how diplomacy must be conducted in the 21rst century.
After months of private talks and discussions, the Saudis are going to be pulling all the stops to impress Chinese President Xi when he lands in Riyadh tomorrow. There will be celebrations, banquets, positive speeches, strong handshakes, a lot of smiles, followed by ceremonies where tens of billions of dollars are going to be signed, with a promise for more business and trade in the future.
Contrast this to President Biden’s quick trip to Saudi Arabia a few months ago. A tepid fist-bump with Crown Prince Salman who Biden labeled as a murderer and who he would never meet. His demand for Saudi Arabia to boost oil production to crater oil prices and undermine OPEC+ production quotas and agreements. And leaving with nothing but a sour taste in everyone’s mouth.
Chinese President Xi To Visit Saudi Arabia This Wednesday
China’s Xi to visit Saudi Arabia amid frayed ties with the US — CNN
Xi’s Riyadh Trip Showcases Deeper China-Mideast Ties, and Sinking US Relations — Bloomberg
China’s Xi To Visit Saudi Arabia From Wednesday: Saudi State Media — AFP
Deals worth more than $29.3 bln to be signed during Saudi-China summit – SPA — Reuters
China’s Xi heads to Saudi Arabia, adding strain to US ties — Al-Monitor
Factbox: Saudi-China energy, trade and investment ties — Reuters