JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, held a phone call with China’s President Xi Jinping during which the two leaders discussed regional developments and their repercussions on the global economy.
The two sides also reviewed the strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, discussing existing areas of cooperation and exploring ways to further strengthen and expand collaboration across various sectors, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
They also exchanged views on recent regional developments and their security and economic implications at both the regional and global levels.
The leaders discussed ongoing efforts to ease tensions and enhance security and stability in the region, with particular focus on maritime security, its economic consequences, and its impact on global supply chains.
The Chinese president stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to navigation in a manner that serves the interests of regional countries and the international community, and contributes to lasting stability in the region.
🇸🇦📞🇨🇳 | HRH the Crown Prince, Chinese President discuss regional developments. pic.twitter.com/bUbP70c5IB
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) April 20, 2026
China is a key trading partner for Gulf countries and the primary purchaser of Iranian oil, much of which is transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
During the call with the Saudi Crown Prince, President Xi emphasised that China supports an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is set to host a second round of high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran this week, with US Vice President JD Vance expected to lead Washington’s delegation, officials said.
Vance will be joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, according to US officials, despite earlier remarks by President Donald Trump suggesting the vice president would not attend.
“Things changed,” a White House official said, confirming the updated plan.
The talks, scheduled in Islamabad, follow an initial round that kept diplomatic channels open amid ongoing tensions.
With the US-Iran ceasefire set to expire on April 22, diplomatic momentum has taken on renewed urgency, but also cautious optimism.
The initial round of talks in Islamabad succeeded in opening rare direct channels between the two sides and keeping dialogue alive.
