On the afternoon of April 20, President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the latter’s request.
Xi pointed out that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Saudi Arabia, consistently adhering to the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment, and mutual benefit. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. China is willing to take this opportunity to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, expand exchanges at all levels, and continuously broaden and deepen China-Saudi relations, setting an example for the development of relations between China and Arab countries.
Regarding the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Xi emphasized that China advocates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to stop the fighting, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and insists on resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels. The Strait of Hormuz should maintain normal passage, which is in the common interests of regional countries and the international community. China supports regional countries in building a common home of good neighborliness, development, security, and cooperation, taking their destiny into their own hands and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.
Mohammed said that Saudi-China relations are strategic, and developing relations with China is crucial for Saudi Arabia. The current war in the Middle East harms the security of Gulf countries and seriously affects global energy supply and economic operations. Saudi Arabia is committed to resolving differences through dialogue and hopes to avoid an escalation of the situation. China is a responsible major country in the world, consistently upholding a just stance and supporting good neighborliness, dialogue, and cooperation among Middle Eastern countries. Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to maintain the ceasefire, prevent the resumption of fighting, ensure the safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and jointly seek ways to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region.
Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, strategically vital as a passage for about 20% of the world’s oil. Historically, it has been a key maritime route for trade and conflict for centuries, controlled by various empires including the Portuguese in the 16th century and later by local powers. Today, it remains a focal point of geopolitical tension, particularly between Iran and other nations.
Middle East
The Middle East is a historically and culturally rich region spanning Western Asia and parts of North Africa, often considered the cradle of civilization as it gave rise to ancient Mesopotamia, Persia, and the early Islamic caliphates. It is the birthplace of three major religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and has been a crossroads for trade, ideas, and empires for millennia. Today, the region is known for its diverse cultures, significant oil reserves, and ongoing geopolitical complexities.
Gulf region
The Gulf region, centered around the Persian Gulf, is a historically significant area known for its ancient maritime trade routes, pearl diving, and later, vast oil reserves. In the 20th century, the discovery of petroleum transformed it into a global economic hub, with countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar rapidly modernizing. Today, it blends rich cultural heritage with futuristic cities like Dubai and Doha, attracting international attention for commerce and tourism.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country known as the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Its modern history began in 1932 when Abdulaziz Ibn Saud unified the region into a single kingdom, leading to rapid development after the discovery of oil. Today, it is a major global energy exporter while undergoing significant social and economic reforms under its Vision 2030 plan.
China
China is an ancient civilization with a recorded history of over 3,500 years, home to iconic cultural sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. As one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, it has seen the rise and fall of numerous dynasties, from the Qin to the Qing, and has profoundly influenced global culture through inventions like paper and gunpowder. Today, China blends its rich historical heritage with rapid modernization, making it a unique and influential country on the world stage.
