Saudi Arabia deepens tech partnership with China to advance AI and space cooperation

Saudi Arabia is strengthening its technology partnership with China through a series of high-level meetings aimed at expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, advanced technologies, and space, as the Kingdom accelerates its Vision 2030 ambitions.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Saudi Space Agency, Abdullah Alswaha, visited Beijing alongside Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) Governor Eng. Haytham AlOhali to meet with senior Chinese government officials and technology executives.

During the visit, Alswaha met with China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Lecheng, to discuss expanding collaboration in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and emerging technologies. The talks also focused on localizing advanced technologies and advancing joint initiatives in telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and innovation.

In the space sector, Alswaha held discussions with Zhou Jie, Chairman of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), on strengthening cooperation in space technologies. The discussions explored opportunities to localize space technologies, develop Saudi Arabia’s satellite manufacturing capabilities, and accelerate knowledge transfer to support the Kingdom’s growing space industry.

The minister also met with Wang Xing, Founder and Chairman of Meituan, to explore opportunities for collaboration in AI-powered digital services, smart logistics, and smart city applications. The talks further examined ways to accelerate innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies across Saudi Arabia.

The Beijing meetings are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to deepen international partnerships in technology and space while strengthening domestic capabilities in high-growth sectors. The Kingdom continues to position digital transformation, innovation, and advanced technologies as key pillars of its economic diversification strategy under Saudi Vision 2030.