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Saudi FM concludes China visit amid Trump-MBS friction: What to know

Saudi Arabia is still absorbing the war’s security fallout and is widening its circle by leaning more on Beijing as a diplomatic counterweight to Washington and as a partner that can engage Tehran.

Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll

Jul 1, 2026

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WASHINGTON — Two weeks after the signing of the US‑Iran memorandum of understanding, Saudi Arabia is sending clear signals that it is hedging its geopolitical alignment and interests between Washington and Beijing. 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan wrapped up a two‑day visit to China on Wednesday amid visible strains in the relationship between President Donald Trump and Saudi de facto leader Mohammed bin Salman. The trip underscores how quickly Riyadh is recalibrating as the fallout from the war with Iran reshapes regional security calculus.

What happened 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, as well as Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Tuesday in Beijing. During his meeting with Wang Yi, the two discussed "efforts to de-escalate tensions and enhance security and........

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