Xi warns against turning Gulf into power rivalry zone

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, warning that the Gulf should not become a battleground for competition among major powers.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. The talks came amid continuing tensions in the region following the US-Iran conflict.

Xi said peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf required the collective commitment of all countries. He stressed that the region should not become a centre of geopolitical confrontation or rivalry between powerful nations.

The Chinese president also expressed Beijing’s readiness to strengthen communication and coordination with Arab states and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Oman. He said China wanted to contribute to restoring regional calm and achieving lasting stability.

Sultan Haitham’s visit is the first by an Omani head of state to China since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1978.

During the meeting, Xi called for further strengthening the strategic partnership between Beijing and Muscat. He described the relationship as a longstanding friendship supported by growing political trust and expanding economic cooperation.

The Omani ruler said China had become his country’s largest trading partner. He added that direct investments by Chinese companies, in partnership with the Oman Investment Authority, had exceeded 33 billion yuan, equivalent to around $4.6 billion, in recent years.

Haitham also expressed interest in reaching a preferential trade and investment agreement with China to expand economic relations.

The two leaders discussed cooperation in several areas, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital technology, space, defence industries and logistics.

They also witnessed the signing of at least 14 agreements, memoranda of understanding and cooperation protocols. The arrangements cover areas such as supply chains, green development and digital finance.

Oman is an important energy partner for China and ranks as its fifth-largest crude oil supplier. It is also China’s fourth-largest trading partner among Arab countries.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $36.73 billion in 2024, reflecting the scale of their economic relationship.

Haitham highlighted opportunities to connect China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Oman Vision 2040. He identified green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure as potential areas for greater cooperation.

The sultan also reaffirmed Oman’s support for the one-China principle and China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.