China's Xi Jinping says Middle East should not become battleground for great power rivalry

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against the Middle East and Gulf region becoming a battleground for great power rivalry, stating that China is ready to cooperate with Arab nations to attain lasting peace, according to his remarks to Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on Monday. China's traditional diplomatic role in the Middle East has expanded, particularly in light of the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and raised global energy and shipping costs.

Xi emphasized that the world is experiencing significant transformations, and the Middle East and Gulf region must not be a stage for geopolitical conflict or great-power rivalry. He reiterated China's commitment to ending the war and contributing wisdom and solutions to address the region's security challenges. China is prepared to enhance communication and coordination with Arab countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council states, to restore peace and foster long-term stability and security.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that Zhai Jun, the country's special envoy to the Middle East, would visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia during the month following Xi's visit to Oman. Oman's Sultan Haitham, who arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit on Sunday, expressed gratitude for China's positions on key regional issues, emphasizing that development and stability are interconnected.

He also highlighted Oman's openness to establishing a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement with China, stating that such a pact could foster new avenues for trade and investment between the two nations.