Xi warns Middle East must not become arena for great-power rivalry
China's leader told Oman's sultan that Beijing is ready to coordinate with Arab nations to end the US-Israeli war on Iran and restore stability to the Gulf.
By Anthony Brooks ·
Beijing is positioning itself as a diplomatic mediator in the Middle East as the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupts global supply chains. Chinese President Xi Jinping made that pivot explicit during a summit with Oman's sultan in Beijing on Monday.
Xi told Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said that the region should not serve as a battleground for major power competition. According to China's Foreign Ministry, the president stated that peace and stability require joint protection by all parties involved.
"The Middle East Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry and geopolitical conflict," Xi said. He added that China hopes to contribute wisdom and solutions to resolving the region's security dilemmas.
The conflict has snarled the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global energy and shipping costs. China's Foreign Ministry announced last week that special envoys will soon travel to the Middle East to promote de-escalation. Xi confirmed that China is willing to strengthen communication with Arab countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Sultan Haitham arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a two-day visit. This is the first trip by an Omani head of state since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1978. He expressed appreciation for China's stance on regional issues, stating that development and stability are inextricably linked.
Haitham said his government believes prosperity requires an environment defined by security, peace, and respect for sovereignty. He expressed openness to a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement. "We are confident that such an agreement would open new avenues for trade and investment," he said.
China is currently Oman's largest trade partner. Direct flights between Beijing and Muscat, which began in November of last year, have boosted tourism and business links. Oman exports crude oil and energy products to China while seeking to develop renewable energy supply chains and digital commerce. People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng welcomed the sultan at the airport.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
