US President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2021 and plans to focus US foreign policy attention toward the Asia-Pacific region with the "Pivot to Asia," has raised questions on the future of the country's influence in the Middle East. ![]() ![]() Xi's visit came amid simmering tensions between the US and Saudi Arabia as Washington shifts its policy focus to the Asia-Pacific from the Middle East. Xi last visited Riyadh in 2016 and received Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Beijing in 2019. Multilateral dialogue, which began with the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in 2004, is expected to expand into new dimensions with the two summits to be held for the first time this year. The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry, for its part, said Xi's visit was taking place upon the invitation of King Salman and that the official visit and summits aimed at developing all manner of relations and addressing ways to improve development and cooperation opportunities. "President Xi Jinping noted that he has since then worked with King Salman (bin Abdulaziz) to steer bilateral relations on a path of significant progress, which has not only delivered benefits to both peoples but also effectively promoted regional peace, stability, prosperity and development," it added. "In 2016, the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership," a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement reported Xi as saying. ![]() Upon his arrival in Riyadh, Xi stressed that in the 32 years since they established diplomatic ties, the two countries have enhanced strategic mutual trust and enjoyed fruitful practical cooperation in various fields. The growing geostrategic rivalry between the world's two largest economies is making the Middle East, which holds a significant share of global energy resources, a new arena for their struggle for influence.Īs Washington perceives Beijing as "the biggest long-term threat" to its security and shifts its policy focus to the Asia-Pacific, China is vying for increased influence in the Middle East, where the US has played a key role shaping regional developments for many years.Ĭhinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Saudi Arabia, which kicked off Wednesday, is seen as a vital diplomatic contact that could signal the start of a new era.Īs the Riyadh visit confirms China's developing political and economic relations with Saudi Arabia, Xi will have the opportunity to strengthen Beijing's ties in the region as he participates in the first China-Arab States Summit and China-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit.
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