China's Xi Jinping Urges Gulf to Avoid Great-Power Rivalry During Talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized that the Middle East and the Gulf region should not become a battleground for great-power competition. This statement was made during his meeting with Oman's Sultan Haitham in Beijing on Monday. Both nations also called for the immediate resumption of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

"The Middle East Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry and geopolitical conflict. Peace and stability in the region require joint nurturing and protection by all parties," Mr. Xi stated, as reported by China’s Foreign Ministry. He further affirmed China's commitment to assisting in ending the US-Iran conflict and expressed readiness to collaborate with Arab nations, including the Gulf Co-operation Council states, to achieve lasting regional stability and security.

In a comprehensive 20-point joint statement, China and Oman advocated for the restoration of normal and secure passage in the Strait of Hormuz. They also urged the United States and Iran to pursue peaceful resolutions, return to the agreement aimed at resolving the conflict, and re-initiate dialogue.

President Xi also indicated China's willingness to enhance the alignment of its development strategies with those of Oman, according to Xinhua news agency. He characterized the two countries as stable and dependable partners in energy, investment with substantial potential, and high-tech innovation.

The discussions occurred during Sultan Haitham’s two-day state visit to China, marking the first visit by an Omani head of state since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1978. Sultan Haitham conveyed Oman's appreciation for China's stance on critical regional issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of development and stability, which necessitates security, respect for state sovereignty, adherence to international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Furthermore, Sultan Haitham expressed Oman's openness to a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement with China, suggesting it could unlock new avenues for commercial and investment exchanges. The joint statement detailed plans to deepen cooperation in oil and natural gas, and to expand partnerships in renewable energy sectors, including solar power, wind energy, electricity transmission and transformation, and energy storage.

China currently stands as Oman's largest trading partner. The two nations have also been actively exploring avenues to broaden cooperation in energy supply chains, investment, and digital commerce.

During the visit, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi and the Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Said Al Maawali, engaged with representatives from Chinese companies. Discussions focused on potential collaborations in key sectors such as transport, logistics, communications, and information technology, alongside artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, and drone-based air transport, according to the Omani Foreign Ministry.

The two sides also explored how Chinese companies could contribute their expertise and capabilities in Oman, leveraging the sultanate's strategic location, infrastructure, and economic potential. This proposed cooperation aims to bolster Oman's economic diversification, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, and advance the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Digital Economy Programme.

In a related development, China’s Foreign Ministry announced that its special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, would undertake visits to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia this month.