China, Saudi Arabia pledge deeper ties as Riyadh voices concern over Chinese imports

China’s Vice President Han Zheng met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The meeting is part of efforts to reaffirm Beijing’s commitment to strengthen strategic coordination and deepen economic cooperation with the Gulf kingdom.

It highlighted both nations’ commitment to sustain the momentum in their rapidly growing partnership, even as Saudi officials quietly voiced unease about the impact of cheap Chinese imports on local industry.

According to Chinese state media, Han expressed Beijing’s readiness to “enhance high-level exchanges and mutual support” across political, economic, and technological fields.

He emphasised that China views Saudi Arabia as a key partner in advancing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and in promoting stability and development across the Middle East.

For Riyadh, the visit comes at a delicate moment; while Saudi Arabia continues to court Chinese investment and technology as part of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, local manufacturers have raised concerns that a flood of low-cost Chinese goods could undercut domestic production and hinder the kingdom’s industrial diversification goals.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed China’s continued engagement but reportedly stressed the need for more balanced trade and collaboration that supports Saudi Arabia’s drive toward self-sufficiency in high-value manufacturing.

The meeting follows a series of high-level contacts between the two nations in recent years, reflecting a steady strengthening of ties beyond the traditional oil trade.

China has emerged as one of Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partners and a growing player in its infrastructure, digital technology, and energy transition projects.

The encounter highlights the careful balancing act both sides are attempting, by maintaining strong political alignment and economic partnership while managing the frictions that come with deeper integration.

For Beijing, Saudi Arabia remains a critical pillar in its Middle East diplomacy; for Riyadh, China is both an essential partner and a formidable competitor in its race to diversify away from oil.

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