Xi's Saudi visit to shore up unity (2)

President Xi Jinping is warmly greeted upon his arrival by Governor of Riyadh Province Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister Yasir Al-Rumayyan who works on China affairs and other key members of the royal family and senior officials of the government at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dec 7, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

In the first nine months of this year, bilateral trade was $319.3 billion, a year-on-year increase of 35 percent, according to a report issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday.

In addition to constantly deepening collaboration on traditional energy, the two sides have also made breakthroughs in "high-end, cutting-edge technology domains", such as 5G telecommunication, nuclear power, aerospace and satellite technology, according to the report.

Yu Zirong, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said economic and trade cooperation between China and Arab countries has witnessed remarkable achievements since the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum was founded in 2004, and the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013.

"The two sides should intensify efforts in advancing negotiation on a China-GCC free trade zone, further optimize the trade structure between them, tap into emerging areas for investment, and upgrade their collaboration on infrastructure," Yu said.

The Gulf Cooperation Council, which was founded in 1981, consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. China established relations with the grouping in 1981.

In recent years, two-way cooperation on the economy, trade, finance, energy, technology and culture has rapidly increased. The two sides started negotiation on a free trade agreement in 2004.

The upcoming China-GCC Summit will be the first time that leaders of China and GCC countries gather in person to discuss future plans.

The summit is expected to carry forward the China-GCC traditional friendship, enrich strategic China-GCC ties and lift relations to a higher level, said Mao, the spokeswoman.

Wang Guangda, secretary-general of the China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development and a professor at Shanghai International Studies University said, "China's presence in the Middle East region is not to fill a geopolitical blank there, but to promote peace, facilitate dialogues and achieve common development".

Xi arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday for his second visit to Saudi Arabia since 2016.

The Saudi Press Agency said on Tuesday the visit will "bolster historic ties and strategic partnership between the two countries".

Currently, China is the top trade partner of Saudi Arabia and the Middle Eastern country is China's largest source of oil imports.

"In recent years, the two countries have jointly advanced the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 blueprint, and they have achieved fruitful outcomes, benefiting the people of both countries," Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chen Weiqing said in an article published last month.

During his visit, President Xi will hold talks with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to "exchange views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern, taking China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level", said Mao.

People in Saudi Arabia have high expectations for the leaders' meetings as cultural exchanges and economic cooperation have made solid progress, especially under the BRI.

Yousef Al Balushi, a sales and marketing director in Riyadh, said China's development has been beneficial for the region. It represents the future, and many local parents want their children to study Chinese, he said.

Mark Refaat, an engineer working on a hotel project in Riyadh, said they have just finished a large complex in the capital, which features Chinese quarters among others. He added that China's infrastructure strength is impressive.