On the afternoon of April 20, 2026, President Xi Jinping took a phone call from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

President Xi noted that China attaches great importance to growing its relations with Saudi Arabia, and always upholds the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership. Taking it as an opportunity, China stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to deepen mutual strategic trust, enhance practical cooperation, expand exchanges at all levels, continuously increase the scope and depth of our bilateral relations, and set a fine example for the relations between China and Arab states.

On the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, President Xi emphasized that China calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and stands for resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means. The Strait of Hormuz should maintain normal passage, as this serves 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, holding their future in their own hands, and promoting lasting peace and security in the region.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman noted that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China is strategic in nature, and growing ties with China is of vital importance to Saudi Arabia. The current warfare in the Middle East undermines the security of the Gulf states and severely disrupts global energy supplies and economic performance. Saudi Arabia is committed to resolving disputes and differences through dialogue and hopes to prevent further escalation. China is a responsible major country that consistently upholds a just position and supports Middle Eastern countries in pursuing good-neighborliness, dialogue and cooperation. Saudi Arabia is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to maintain the ceasefire, prevent the resumption of hostilities, ensure the safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and work together to find a pathway to lasting peace and stability in the region.