Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Said He’s “Not Aware” of Reports Xi Will Travel to Saudi Arabia Next Month

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian speaking at the regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday. Image via the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian tried to tamp down mounting speculation that President Xi Jinping will travel to Saudi Arabia next month to attend a pair of summits. Zhao brushed aside a question on the issue from Reuters at the regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday when he said he’s “not aware” of any reports that President Xi plans to visit the Kingdom.

The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday became the latest media outlet to report with a high degree of certainty that the visit will take place. (REUTERS)

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by Eric Olander

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