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China Affirms Integration of Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Vision 2030

 A recent report confirms that the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Saudi Vision 2030 marks the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. (AFP)
 A recent report confirms that the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Saudi Vision 2030 marks the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. (AFP)
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China Affirms Integration of Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Vision 2030

 A recent report confirms that the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Saudi Vision 2030 marks the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. (AFP)
 A recent report confirms that the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Saudi Vision 2030 marks the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. (AFP)

A recent report from Fujian Daily has highlighted the growing partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Saudi Vision 2030. This collaboration reflects the two nations’ shared commitment to fostering global progress and creating a unified future for humanity.
The report underscored the strengthening ties between the two countries in education and industry. For example, 22 Saudi students have graduated from Xiamen University in Fujian, with many pursuing careers in the chemical industry. Some have returned to Fujian, further enhancing the relationship between the nations.
During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2022, a significant agreement was signed between Sinopec and Saudi Aramco to develop the second phase of the Gulei refining and petrochemical integration project. This initiative exemplifies the deepening energy sector cooperation.
In February 2024, construction began on a joint ethylene project with an investment of 44.8 billion yuan ($6.14 billion), marking the first direct partnership between a Chinese regional company and a global firm in petrochemicals. Expected to complete by 2026, the project highlights the strategic importance of industrial collaboration.
The report also spotlighted the historical ties between China and Arab countries through the Silk Road, with Fujian serving as a key hub. Today, initiatives such as the Maritime Silk Road revive this legacy. In May 2024, a multimodal transport channel linking Nanchang, Xiamen, and Saudi Arabia was launched to facilitate exports from the Gulei project to global markets.
Additionally, the second phase of the Gulei complex was launched in November 2024, with a total investment of 71.1 billion yuan ($9.74 billion), making it the largest industrial project in Fujian’s history. The project aims to enhance resource security and boost the petrochemical supply chain.
The report concluded that the ongoing partnership, supported by technological advancements and shared ambitions, underscores a new era of strategic collaboration, with the integration of BRI and Vision 2030 symbolizing a bright future for both nations.

 

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Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh Demand against US Inventories

FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
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Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh Demand against US Inventories

FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)

Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as investors weighed firm winter fuel demand expectations against large US fuel inventories and macroeconomic concerns.

Brent crude futures were down 3 cents at $76.13 a barrel by 1003 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures dipped 10 cents to $73.22.

Both benchmarks fell more than 1% on Wednesday as a stronger dollar and a bigger than expected rise in US fuel stockpiles pressured prices.

"The oil market is still grappling with opposite forces - seasonal demand to support the bulls and macro data that supports a stronger US dollar in the medium term ... that can put a ceiling to prevent the bulls from advancing further," said OANDA senior market analyst Kelvin Wong.

JPMorgan analysts expect oil demand for January to expand by 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) year on year to 101.4 million bpd, primarily driven by increased use of heating fuels in the Northern Hemisphere.

"Global oil demand is expected to remain strong throughout January, fuelled by colder than normal winter conditions that are boosting heating fuel consumption, as well as an earlier onset of travel activities in China for the Lunar New Year holidays," the analysts said.

The market structure in Brent futures is also indicating that traders are becoming more concerned about supply tightening at the same time demand is increasing.

The premium of the front-month Brent contract over the six-month contract reached its widest since August on Wednesday. A widening of this backwardation, when futures for prompt delivery are higher than for later delivery, typically indicates that supply is declining or demand is increasing.

Nevertheless, official Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showed rising gasoline and distillates stockpiles in the United States last week.

The dollar strengthened further on Thursday, underpinned by rising Treasury yields ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's entrance into the White House on Jan. 20.

Looking ahead, WTI crude oil is expected to oscillate within a range of $67.55 to $77.95 into February as the market awaits more clarity on Trump's administration policies and fresh fiscal stimulus measures out of China, OANDA's Wong said.