China’s slow buying of US farm goods tests US$17bil trade pledge

Chinese President Xi Jinping cautioned against the potential for great-power conflict in the Gulf, emphasizing China's willingness to cooperate with Arab nations to foster lasting peace. This came during a meeting with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman, whom Xi urged to work together to maintain regional stability. China has gradually increased its diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, particularly in light of ongoing tensions following the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and raised global energy and shipping costs.

Xi highlighted that the world is experiencing unprecedented geopolitical shifts and stressed that the Middle East should not become a theater for geopolitical strife. He reiterated China's commitment to ending the war and resolving security dilemmas in the region through dialogue and cooperation. Omani Sultan Haitham, during his recent visit to Beijing, expressed his nation's appreciation for China's positions on regional issues and signaled openness to a preferential bilateral trade agreement.

Both leaders underscored the mutual benefits of enhanced economic ties, with China being Oman's largest trade partner.