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China and Saudi Arabia Deepen Coordination as Wang Yi Secures Diplomatic Visa Waiver and Presses GCC Trade Deal

Beijing’s top diplomat used Riyadh talks to cement practical ties and push for a long-delayed China–GCC free trade agreement.

Overview

  • China and Saudi Arabia agreed to closer communication and coordination on regional and international issues following talks in Riyadh.
  • Foreign ministers Wang Yi and Prince Faisal bin Farhan signed a mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports.
  • Wang urged the Gulf Cooperation Council to finalize more than two decades of negotiations on a China–GCC free trade agreement, calling it a signal in support of multilateralism.
  • A joint statement voiced China’s support for the development of Saudi–Iran relations and reaffirmed both sides’ backing for a comprehensive two-state outcome for Palestinians.
  • Beijing and Riyadh highlighted plans to expand cooperation in energy, investment, renewable energy and green transition, as Wang’s regional tour also included high-level meetings in the UAE.