Saudi Arabia's FM heads to China amid differences with US on Iran war

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan will visit Beijing this week, China announced on Monday amid differences with the US, and as delays in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt shipping for the world’s leading top oil exporter.

The two-day trip, which begins on Tuesday, comes at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement, without giving details about the agenda.

Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm the upcoming visit.

Why it matters: China is seeking to deepen its role and reinforce its ties in the region, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council, where talks to establish a free trade agreement have been ongoing for several years now.