China's Xi tells Oman's Sultan Haitham Gulf should not become arena for great-power rivalry

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned during a meeting with Sultan Haitham of Oman that the Middle East and the Gulf region should not be a battleground for great-power rivalry. Both nations called for the resumption of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and urged the US and Iran to seek peaceful solutions to their conflict.

Xi stated that China is committed to helping end the US-Iran war and is willing to collaborate with Arab countries, including Gulf Co-operation Council states, to achieve lasting regional stability and security. The two leaders signed a 20-point joint statement calling for normal and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and for the US and Iran to pursue peaceful options, return to the June agreement aimed at ending the conflict, and restart dialogue.

Xi expressed China's readiness to deepen alignment with Oman's development strategies, describing them as stable and reliable energy partners, investment partners, and partners in high-tech innovation. The visit marked Sultan Haitham's first state trip to China since diplomatic relations were established in 1978. Oman appreciated China's positions on key regional issues and stressed that development and stability are closely linked, requiring security, respect for state sovereignty, adherence to international law, and peaceful dispute resolution.

The two nations agreed to deepen cooperation in oil and natural gas, expand partnerships in renewable energy, and enhance collaboration in sectors such as transport, logistics, communications, artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, and drone-based air transport.