Xi: China supports Arab states in defending sovereignty

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China supports Arab countries in protecting their sovereignty, according to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also said that China also intends to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. 

On Wednesday, Xi arrived to Saudi Arabia for a state visit to attend the China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, and will be leaving on Saturday.

"China supports Arab states in upholding sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. On issues such as the Palestinian question, China's firm support for Arab states has been consistent and unwavering," Xi wrote in an article for Saudi daily Al Riyadh.

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Xi noted that the purpose of his visit is to begin a new era of Chinese-Arab relations, particularly with Saudi Arabia, as Xi confirms China's commitment to strengthening bilateral strategic partnerships. 

"China will take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen its comprehensive strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. We will continue to give each other understanding and support, and jointly advocate independence and oppose external interference," Xi noted. 

Beijing also seeks to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, G20, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Xi said.

This comes as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries shore up connections with Asian markets amid strained ties between Riyadh and long-standing ally US after OPEC+ cut oil production, ignoring pleas from Washington.