Latest news with #China-Saudi
The Star
31-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Feature: For Saudi youth, learning Chinese is a crucial path to cultural understanding
RIYADH, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Under the bright sunlight of Jeddah, red Chinese knots swayed in the breeze, national flags fluttered, and the melodic notes of the guzheng filled the auditorium at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). The air rang with cheerful greetings -- "Nihao!" and "I love China!" -- as Saudi students welcomed visitors in Mandarin. On May 27, the Saudi finals of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for foreign college and secondary school students began in this coastal city, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of China-Saudi diplomatic ties and the ongoing China-Saudi Cultural Year. For the first time, the event featured a dedicated middle school division, drawing 15 university and 15 secondary school participants from across the kingdom. "Learning Chinese is a journey of growth, with both sweet and bitter moments," said Meshari Almutairi, a student from the KAU. "Chinese characters looked like paintings when I first started. But I kept going. I believe this 'key' will one day open the door to truly understanding China." Among the most inspiring performances came from Ahmed Alarishi, a visually impaired university student. "I love the Tang and Han dynasties. I learn by listening to documentaries and talking with Chinese friends," he said. Using auditory tools and Pinyin, Ahmed taught himself Mandarin. "It's not that difficult. You just need time and dedication." Alarishi's recital was followed by a performance of Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese fitness routine, which brought the audience to its feet. "Understanding a culture brings you closer to the soul," he said. "Chinese is my window to the world." "Ahmed is one of our most dedicated students. His love for learning drives him to overcome every challenge," said his instructor Zhang Wenyi. The student spent two months preparing for the event, and he aspires to pursue his master's and doctoral studies in China, aiming for a future in academia. The growing interest in Mandarin reflects a wider trend. Since 2023, over 100 Saudi middle schools have introduced Chinese courses. Wang Junbao, a Chinese teacher in Riyadh with teaching experience across Africa, South Asia and Latin America, said Saudi students are increasingly fluent not just in Mandarin, but in expressing their hopes through it. "They're drawn to Chinese culture," he said. "Their curiosity is sincere." Zhang Xinying, director of the Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University, echoed the sentiment. "In the eyes of many Saudis, Chinese is not just a language -- it's a life skill," she said. "As China-Saudi cooperation deepens, Mandarin is becoming a strategic tool for the next generation." For students like Saba Anwar from Al-Brayan Model School in Jeddah, the motivation is clear. "I hope to work for a Chinese company someday," she said. "I see more Chinese firms building roads, ports and factories here. Learning Chinese will help me find a good job." Quoting a well-known Arab proverb, Wang Qimin, Chinese Consul General in Jeddah, said, "'Seek knowledge, even as far as China,' -- Saudi youth are now living that wisdom, using Chinese as a bridge to build lasting ties."
The Star
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Chinese-built highway in Saudi Arabia partially opens to traffic
RIYADH, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese-built major highway project in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, the Jubail TS-8 Highway, reached a key milestone on Tuesday with its partial handover and opening. Located in the city of Jubail, the 16.8-km-long, six-lane dual carriageway -- constructed by China Railway 18th Bureau Group (Saudi Arabia) -- serves as a fast connection between Highway 95 and the Jubail Industrial Area in the Eastern Province. The newly opened section covers 8.1 km. The highway is expected to be fully handed over and open to traffic by September, according to the Chinese company. Mahmoud bin Saleh Al-Theeb, CEO of the Royal Commission in Jubail, said the highway's opening will significantly ease traffic pressure in Jubail, enhance transportation efficiency, benefit local communities, and inject new momentum into regional economic development. Acknowledging the Chinese company's outstanding efforts on the project, Al-Theeb said Chinese solutions and technologies have made important contributions to local infrastructure development. Cheng Junjie, a representative of the Chinese company, said the highway "reflects the deepening partnership between our company and the Royal Commission, and serves as a testament to China-Saudi friendship."
Arabian Business
10-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Aramco and Sinopec sign agreement for major expansion at Yasref
Saudi Aramco and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) are planning a major expansion to the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (Yasref) on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. On Yasref's 10th anniversary, the two partners (Aramco 62.5 per cent stake and Simopec 37.5 per cent) will build a state-of-the-art petrochemical unit, a large-scale mixed feed steam cracker with a 1.8 million tons per year capacity, and a 1.5 million tons per year aromatics complex with associated downstream derivatives integrated into the existing Yasref complex. Aramco, Sinopec deepen ties The Venture Framework Agreement (VFA) seeks to advance engineering studies for the development of a fully integrated petrochemical complex, which aims to maximise operational synergies and create additional value that is expected to enhance Yasref's ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality petrochemical products. Amin Nasser, Aramco President & CEO, commented: 'The Yasref Venture Framework Agreement further deepens and elevates our strategic partnership with Sinopec. 'The planned expansion project solidifies our commitment to product innovation and diversification. As we look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Sinopec in making Yasref a leading refining and petrochemicals joint venture, we aim to contribute to growing Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in energy and chemicals.' The planned expansion aligns with Aramco's downstream strategy to unlock the full potential of Saudi resources, including converting up to four million barrels per day of crude oil into petrochemicals by 2030. Zhao Dong, Sinopec President, added: 'Yasref, a flagship joint venture symbolising China-Saudi energy cooperation, has not only served as a key driver for Saudi Arabia's local economic growth but also actively advanced petrochemical industry upgrades. 'The Yasref expansion project represents a significant milestone in our bilateral partnership, ushering in a new phase of deeper and more far-reaching collaboration. We expect the Yasref expansion project to unlock new dimensions of collaborative potential as we navigate the energy transition.' Yasref is one of a number of strategic partnerships between Aramco and Sinopec, which also include Sinopec Senmei (Fujian) Petroleum Company (SSPC); Sinopec SABIC Tianjin Petrochemical Company (SSTPC); Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Company (FREP); and a new integrated refining and petrochemical complex being developed in Fujian Province in China.
Asharq Al-Awsat
09-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Aramco, Sinopec and Yasref Sign Venture Framework Agreement for Petrochemical Expansion
Saudi Aramco, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), and Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (Yasref) announced the signing of a Venture Framework Agreement (VFA) to pave the way for a major petrochemical expansion at Yasref, in Yanbu, on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. According to a press release from Aramco, the agreement, coinciding with Yasref's 10th anniversary, seeks to advance engineering studies for the development of a fully integrated petrochemical complex at Yasref, a joint venture owned by Aramco (62.5%) and Sinopec (37.5%). The project aims to maximize operational synergies and create additional value by introducing a state-of-the-art petrochemical unit, a large-scale mixed feed steam cracker with a 1.8 million tons per year capacity, and a 1.5 million tons per year aromatics complex with associated downstream derivatives integrated into the existing Yasref complex. This is expected to enhance Yasref's ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality petrochemical products, SPA reported. President and CEO of Saudi Aramco Amin H. Nasser said, "The Yasref Venture Framework Agreement further deepens and elevates our strategic partnership with Sinopec. The planned expansion project solidifies our commitment to product innovation and diversification. As we look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Sinopec in making Yasref a leading refining and petrochemicals joint venture, we aim to contribute to growing Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in energy and chemicals." Aramco Downstream President Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani stated, "The planned Yasref expansion aligns with our downstream strategy to unlock the full potential of our resources, including converting up to four million barrels per day of crude oil into petrochemicals by 2030. In partnership with Sinopec, we aim to advance cutting-edge refining and petrochemical capabilities to deliver high-value products, create new opportunities, drive industrial innovation, and enable economic transformation. This highlights our strategic, long-term partnership with Sinopec." Sinopec President Zhao Dong emphasized, "Yasref, a flagship joint venture symbolizing China-Saudi energy cooperation, has not only served as a key driver for Saudi Arabia's local economic growth but also actively advanced petrochemical industry upgrades. We expect the Yasref expansion project to unlock new dimensions of collaborative potential as we navigate the energy transition. Sinopec and Aramco are poised to establish a world-class, integrated refining and petrochemical complex distinguished by comprehensive competitive advantages, aiming to redefine traditional energy cooperation models and expand new frontiers for more sustainable development." The release also noted that Yasref is one of several strategic partnerships between Aramco and Sinopec. These collaborations include Sinopec Senmei (Fujian) Petroleum Company (SSPC), Sinopec SABIC Tianjin Petrochemical Co. (SSTPC), Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Company (FREP), and a new integrated refining and petrochemical complex under development in Fujian Province, China. Through these ventures, the two groups aim to strengthen energy security, fuel industrial innovation, foster long-term cooperation, and contribute to the global economy.
Trade Arabia
09-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Aramco, Sinopec and Yasref ink deal for petchem plant expansion
Aramco, one of the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, today (April 9) announced the signing of a Venture Framework Agreement (VFA) with China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), and Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (Yasref) that will pave the way for a major petrochemical expansion at Yasref, in Yanbu, on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. Coinciding with Yasref's 10th anniversary, the agreement seeks to advance engineering studies for the development of a fully-integrated petrochemical complex at Yasref, a joint venture owned by Aramco (62.5%) and Sinopec (37.5%). The project aims to maximize operational synergies and create additional value through introducing a state-of-the-art petrochemical unit, a large-scale mixed feed steam cracker with a 1.8 million tonne per year capacity, and a 1.5 million tonne per year aromatics complex with associated downstream derivatives integrated into the existing Yasref complex. This is expected to enhance Yasref's ability to meet growing demand for high-quality petrochemical products. On the new pact, Aramco President & CEO Amin H. Nasser said: "The Yasref Venture Framework Agreement further deepens and elevates our strategic partnership with Sinopec. The planned expansion project solidifies our commitment to product innovation and diversification." "As we look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Sinopec in making Yasref a leading refining and petrochemicals joint venture, we aim to contribute to growing Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in energy and chemicals," he stated. Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco Downstream President said: "Our strong relationship with Sinopec continues to build momentum. The planned Yasref expansion aligns with our downstream strategy to unlock the full potential of our resources, including converting up to four million barrels per day of crude oil into petrochemicals by 2030." "In partnership with Sinopec, we aim to advance cutting-edge refining and petrochemical capabilities to deliver high-value products, create new opportunities, drive industrial innovation, and enable economic transformation. This highlights our strategic, long-term partnership with Sinopec and it is fitting that the announcement of this project coincides with Yasref's 10th anniversary," he added. Sinopec President Zhao Dong said: "Yasref, a flagship joint venture symbolizing China-Saudi energy cooperation, has not only served as a key driver for Saudi Arabia's local economic growth but also actively advanced petrochemical industry upgrades." "The Yasref expansion project represents a significant milestone in our bilateral partnership, ushering in a new phase of deeper and more far-reaching collaboration," stated Dong. "We expect the Yasref expansion project to unlock new dimensions of collaborative potential as we navigate the energy transition. Sinopec and Aramco are poised to establish a world-class, integrated refining and petrochemical complex distinguished by comprehensive competitive advantages, aiming to redefine traditional energy cooperation models and expand new frontiers for more sustainable development," he added. Yasref is one of a number of strategic partnerships between Aramco and Sinopec, which also include Sinopec Senmei (Fujian) Petroleum Company (SSPC); Sinopec SABIC Tianjin Petrochemical Co. (SSTPC); Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Company (FREP); and a new integrated refining and petrochemical complex being developed in Fujian Province, China.
