RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China showcased deepening ties with series of strategic deals during visit by President Xi Jinping, including one with tech giant Huawei, whose growing foray into Gulf region has raised US security concerns.

King Salman signed “comprehensive strategic partnership agreement” with Xi, who received a lavish welcome in country forging new global partnerships beyond West.

Xi’s car was escorted to king’s palace by members of Saudi Royal Guard riding Arabian horses and carrying Chinese and Saudi flags.

Chinese leader held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, de facto ruler of oil giant, who greeted him with warm smile. Two stepped into pavilion as military band  United States, warily watching China’s growing sway and with its ties to Riyadh at nadir, said Xi’s trip was an example of Chinese attempts to exert influence around world and would not change US policy towards Middle East.

A memorandum with China’s Huawei Technologies on cloud computing and building high-tech complexes in Saudi cities, was agreed despite US concerns with Gulf allies over possible security risk in using Chinese firm’s technology. Huawei has participated in building 5G networks in most Gulf States despite US concerns. Chinese and Saudi firms also signed 34 deals for investment in green energy, other sectors.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 09 2022

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