Saudi Arabia and China Deepen Strategic Partnership with Mutual Recognition Accord

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People's Republic of China formalized a significant diplomatic milestone with the signing of a mutual recognition agreement on December 14, 2025, during the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the Kingdom. This accord is designed to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between Riyadh and Beijing, extending cooperation across vital sectors including economics, trade, investment, and the energy domain.

The agreement was formalized during the fifth session of the Political Sub-committee of the China-Saudi Arabia High-Level Joint Committee. Discussions between Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, reviewed substantial progress in bilateral cooperation, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. During the meeting, the Chinese side reiterated its position that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of China, with Taiwan remaining an indivisible part of Chinese territory, a principle to which the Saudi side reaffirmed its adherence.

Further high-level engagement included a meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. China expressed readiness to serve as a trustworthy partner in Saudi Arabia's national revitalization process. The diplomatic discussions also addressed regional security, with China explicitly supporting the Saudi Arabian-Iranian reconciliation efforts and commending the Kingdom’s role in promoting stability across the Gulf region. On the Palestinian issue, China affirmed support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and the principles of the Arab Peace Initiative.

Economic alignment remains a cornerstone of the relationship, building upon frameworks like the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum held in December 2022. China affirmed its support for Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom's plan for economic diversification, noting the synergy between Vision 2030 and China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Cooperation is expanding beyond traditional energy supplies into emerging fields such as renewable energy, green transition, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and high technology, with China welcoming increased Saudi investment during its 15th Five-Year Plan period spanning 2026 to 2030. The two nations are also working toward the early conclusion of the China-GCC free trade agreement negotiations.

The diplomatic activity sets the stage for future high-level engagements, including an invitation for Saudi leaders to attend the second China-Arab States Summit in China next year, which will mark the tenth anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership established between the two countries. China confirmed its participation in the World Expo 2030, which the Kingdom is set to host.