中国的“朋友圈”(zhōngguó de péngyŏu quān): China's 'circle of friends'

President Xi Jinping's visit to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran, was an important part of President Xi's all-round diplomacy, showing that China's "circle of friends" is growing.

From great powers to neighboring countries, from developed countries to developing countries, over the past three years President Xi has made great efforts to expand China's "circle of friends".

During his just-concluded visit to the Middle East this time, China signed more than 50 cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran, which includes agreements on the construction of railways, investment and space cooperation.

China's diplomacy and initiatives for cooperation have won widespread respect in the international community.

The Belt and Road Initiative advocated by Xi has made substantial progress, and the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has attracted many countries to become members.

China has also announced the China-UN Peace and Development Fund and an assistance fund for South-South cooperation, which have won wide praise.