Xi Jinping’s Visit to Saudi Arabia

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a historic visit to Saudi Arabia. The visit was full of symbolism and highlighted the growing ties between China and Saudi Arabia. With much more showmanship than President Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Xi was welcomed warmly with a full handshake (Biden received a fist bump), a military procession, and the national anthems of China and Saudi Arabia played by a military band.

Xi and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a number of agreements, including a joint statement on the establishment of a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” and several economic deals. The agreements encompass a broad range of areas, including finance, 5G technology, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the possible purchase of oil in yuan.

The visit also highlighted the increasing alignment between China and Saudi Arabia on regional and international issues. Both countries have adopted similar stances on the conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Libya. They have also voiced support for the Chinese-led Belt and Road Initiative.

The implications of Xi's visit to Saudi Arabia are far-reaching. It marks a significant shift in the balance of power in the Middle East and highlights China's growing influence in the region. It also signals a shift in the regional dynamics, with China now playing an increasingly assertive role in the region.

The United States has been the key power broker in the Middle East. However, the US is facing increased competition from China for influence in the region. The US has sought to counter China's growing influence by strengthening ties with its regional allies, such as Saudi Arabia

Xi's visit to Saudi Arabia has highlighted the increasing alignment between China and Saudi Arabia, and the growing competition between China and the United States for influence in the Middle East. The implications of this visit are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how the US will respond to China's growing influence in the region.