Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan completed his two-day visit to China on Wednesday. The visit coincided with a period of visible tensions in relations between US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Details of the visit
Prince Faisal met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Tuesday. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the meeting with Wang Yi discussed "efforts to de-escalate tensions, enhance security and stability," as well as economic cooperation in energy, industry, technology, and supply chains.
In the meeting with Han Zheng, strengthening economic and investment ties was discussed.
Economic balances are shifting
China has become Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner over the past decade. Bilateral trade volume exceeded $107 billion in 2024. Beijing is also the largest buyer of Saudi crude oil, purchasing $47.91 billion worth in 2024 and an average of 1.4 million barrels per day in 2025. This figure accounts for approximately 14 percent of China's total crude oil imports.
Tensions with Washington
The visit took place amid deteriorating US-Saudi relations following the Iran war. In May, according to a New York Times report, Riyadh denied Washington the use of specific bases and airspace for a planned escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz. Personal dialogue between the leaders also cooled: the last reported phone call between Mohammed bin Salman and Trump was on May 30. Trump's previously harsh remarks about the crown prince highlighted the fluctuations in relations.
Riyadh also resisted US pressure for normalization with Israel, has not yet paid the $1 billion it pledged for Trump's "Peace Council", withdrew its financial support for LIV Golf after the 2026 season, and pulled out of a planned funding agreement with the Metropolitan Opera.
Beijing's diplomatic weight
According to Firas Maksad, Director of the Middle East and North Africa at the Eurasia Group, it is natural for Saudi Arabia to consult Beijing when considering steps regarding Iran. In an assessment to Al-Monitor, Maksad said, "After all, China is by far the country with the most influence over Iran, and it played a key role in normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023."
Maksad added that Beijing could play a diplomatic role in helping Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries find a new path with Iran. Last week, according to an AFP report, Saudi Arabia plans to host reconciliation talks between Gulf countries and Iran.
Security and investment cooperation
Diplomatic engagement parallels deepening economic and security cooperation between Riyadh and Beijing. In March, Saudi Arabia and China were reported to have signed a $5 billion agreement for a production line of Wing Loong-3 combat drones in Jeddah. Neither Beijing nor Riyadh has publicly confirmed the deal.
In mid-June, Saudi Arabia signed six development and housing project agreements and memorandums of understanding with Chinese entities in Riyadh and Dammam, worth over $506 million in total.
The war with Iran is assessed to have dealt a lasting blow to US credibility in the region. Although it does not mean Riyadh has completely abandoned Washington, the lesson that relying on a single power is not a solid option when regional security becomes uncertain stands out.
