Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates from September 10 to 13, according to a statement from Beijing’s foreign ministry. During the trip, he will chair the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee.
China, a significant oil importer, has been working to increase its influence in the Middle East. Last year, it played a role in facilitating a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Beijing has also positioned itself as a more neutral player in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict compared to the United States, advocating for a two-state solution while maintaining strong ties with Israel.
The Middle East is a crucial part of China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, which is a key component of President Xi Jinping’s strategy to enhance China’s global influence.
