Saudi leader’s phone call to Xi Jinping shows shifting global power balance

For long-time US ally Riyadh to seek out China suggests a growing lack of conviction among countries that the US alone can shape the global order

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping to Riyadh, on December 8, 2022. Photo: AFP

SCMP Editorial

Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.

Published: 7:15am, 23 Apr 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s phone call with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in which he called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, was his second conversation in a week with Middle Eastern leaders calling for a de-escalation of the regional conflict. What set this call apart, however, was that it was initiated by the Saudi leader. This is both highly symbolic and significant. Riyadh has long been Washington’s anchor ally in the Middle East. Turning to China in the midst of regional crisis marks a notable shift.

Nowadays, it is not uncommon for countries to be economically dependent on China but dependent on the United States for security. Saudi Arabia is an exception in that it relies more on the US than anyone else for both its economy and security. As a leading regional power, it has basically been key to US influence in the Middle East.

Even before the Saudi leader’s call to Xi there have been signs the relationship with the US is being tested. They suggest that Riyadh may be frustrated with US policy in the Middle East and particularly over the war with Iran. When the US cannot bring a swift solution to the current conflict, Saudi Arabia, along with many other countries, bears the direct consequences.

The Strait of Hormuz is a global energy chokepoint, with a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply passing through. Any disruption has immediate consequences for global markets and regional stability.

It was against this background that a traditional US ally called Xi and discussed the blockade and the Iran situation. That is rare, given the Middle East is traditionally considered a US sphere of influence. It shows that countries around the world, including US allies, are no longer convinced the US alone can shape the global order. They are turning to China because, among other reasons, it demonstrates strategic clarity and stability.

China’s potential role in helping resolve conflict and maintaining peace in the Middle East is not merely about energy security. It is about broad strategic influence.

Saudi leader’s phone call to Xi Jinping shows shifting global power balance

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}For long-time US ally Riyadh to seek out China suggests a growing lack of conviction among countries that the US alone can shape the global order

For long-time US ally Riyadh to seek out China suggests a growing lack of conviction among countries that the US alone can shape the global order