Saudi Arabia has pledged to deepen its hi-tech cooperation with China in areas such as new energy and artificial intelligence.
“Saudi Arabia is willing to further deepen cooperation with China in areas including oil and gas, new energy, artificial intelligence and high technology, to bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries,” the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The pledge came at a time when the kingdom is facing growing scrutiny from the United States over its technology cooperation with Beijing.
Beijing has shown its influence in the Middle East by brokering a deal between the Saudis and their long-term rivals Iran to restore diplomatic relations.
The Islamic Republic has been accepted as a member of the Beijing-led Brics group of emerging economies but has yet to formally join.
Meanwhile, the US has tried to keep the kingdom onside, pledging US$600 billion in investment ranging from arms sales, artificial intelligence, energy and infrastructure.
