Xi warns against great power rivalry in Middle East

Chinese President Xi Jinping cautioned against the Middle East and Gulf region becoming a battleground for great-power rivalry during a meeting with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman on Monday. Xi emphasized that China is prepared to collaborate with Arab nations to achieve enduring peace in the area. He stressed that the world is experiencing significant transformations, and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East requires the collective efforts and protection of all parties involved.

China has historically maintained a restrained diplomatic stance in the Middle East, but has recently intensified its endeavors to assist in ending the tensions stemming from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and escalated global energy and shipping expenses. Xi reiterated China's dedication to halting the war and contributing wisdom and solutions to resolve the region's security challenges.

He expressed China's willingness to enhance communication and coordination with Arab countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council states, to jointly strive for restoring peace and achieving lasting stability and security. China's Foreign Ministry announced that Zhai Jun, its special envoy for the Middle East, would embark on a visit to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia that month.

Oman's Sultan Haitham arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a two-day visit, marking the first such trip by an Omani head of state since diplomatic relations were established in 1978. Haitham expressed Oman's deep appreciation for China's positions on crucial regional matters and highlighted the country's belief that development and stability are intrinsically linked.

He also stated that Oman is receptive to establishing a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement with China, believing it would create new avenues for commerce and investment, facilitating commercial and investment exchanges between the two nations.