Beijing, Oct 30 (Reuters) — China’s Vice President Han Zheng held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed. During the discussion, Han emphasized that China is ready to deepen high-level cooperation with Saudi Arabia and extend mutual support on important political and economic matters.
The meeting comes at a time when trade talks between China and Gulf countries, aimed at establishing a free trade agreement (FTA), have been delayed since 2024. One of the main reasons behind the delay is Saudi Arabia’s concern over an influx of inexpensive Chinese products, which could undermine the Kingdom’s efforts to shift its economy away from oil and develop a strong domestic industrial manufacturing sector.
In essence, while both sides are interested in strengthening ties, Saudi Arabia is being cautious to ensure that deeper trade relations do not negatively affect its local industries or economic diversification plans under Vision 2030.