Full honours for China’s Xi Jinping as US’ star fades in Middle East
- The Chinese president’s arrival in Riyadh greeted by the pomp and circumstance usually reserved for US leaders
- It was a sharp contrast to the muted welcome afforded Joe Biden just a few months earlier
Four fighter jets from the Royal Saudi Air Force escorted Xi’s plane as it entered the country’s airspace on Wednesday.
As the Air China presidential aircraft landed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, seven aerobatic jets performed a fly-past, trailing red and yellow smoke trails representing China’s national colours.
A 21-gun salute rang out as Xi was greeted on the purple carpet by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Riyadh region, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
A fleet of motorcycles led Xi’s presidential car into the city, where horsemen in traditional dress and carrying Saudi and Chinese flags took over for the final procession to the Royal Court.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, hosted a welcome ceremony before inviting Xi to accompany him on an inspection of the Royal Guard.
After separate meetings with the crown prince and King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Xi was awarded an honorary doctoral degree in management from King Saud University, the country’s first academic institution established in 1957.