Gulf states, looking East, to reinforce economic ties with China as Xi visits Saudi – Reuters

Gulf states, looking East, to reinforce economic ties with China as Xi visits Saudi – Reuters

DUBAI, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Trade and investment ties between China and Gulf Arab states are expected to feature prominently in President Xi Jinping's visit to Saudi Arabia this week as the region increasingly looks East to drive economic transformation at home for a post-oil era.

China, the world's biggest energy consumer, is a major trade partner of Gulf oil and gas producers and while economic ties remain anchored by energy interests, bilateral relations have expanded under the region's infrastructure and technology push.

Saudi Arabia is China's top oil supplier, making up 18% of China's total crude oil purchases, and state-run Saudi Aramco has annual supply deals with half a dozen Chinese refiners.