Saudi Arabia and China discuss Middle East coordination amid US tensions

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan travelled to Beijing for a two‑day visit, meeting Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The talks focused on maintaining joint coordination on Middle‑East issues, supporting the fragile US‑Iran cease‑fire, and addressing the security of the Strait of Hormuz, which remains disrupted by attacks on US bases and commercial shipping.

Both sides highlighted the strength of their bilateral relationship and pledged to deepen political trust, high‑level exchanges and practical cooperation. China, a major buyer of Saudi crude and the world’s largest importer of Iranian oil, said it wants to expand its role in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and advance a pending free‑trade agreement. The visit occurs against a backdrop of growing US‑Saudi differences over the Iran‑related conflict and delays in reopening the Hormuz shipping lane.

Qatar confirmed a US delegation was in Doha to discuss peace talks with Iran, though no direct US‑Iran meetings have taken place. Saudi Arabia’s outreach to China therefore aims to help ease regional tensions and secure oil‑export routes vital to global markets.