China's Xi arrives in Saudi Arabia for energy-focused visit

China's President Xi Jinping being received by the Governor of Riyadh province Prince Faisal Bandar al-Saud at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on Dec 7, 2022. - SPA / AFP)

RIYADH (AFP): Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Dec 7) for a visit that is likely to focus on energy ties as Washington warned of Beijing's growing influence.

Xi, recently reanointed as leader of the world's second biggest economy, arrived in the capital Riyadh, Chinese and Saudi state media said, for a three-day visit that will include talks with Saudi and other Arab leaders.