Xi urges protection of Middle East peace in talks with Oman's sultan

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the Middle East and Gulf should be protected from competition among major powers during talks with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on Monday, November 2. He said China was prepared to cooperate with Arab nations in pursuit of lasting peace and regional security.

According to China's Foreign Ministry, Xi described a world experiencing sweeping changes and said safeguarding peace in the region required a shared effort. He said China remained committed to bringing the war to an end and hoped to help find answers to the security challenges facing the region.

The remarks came as Beijing increases its diplomatic efforts over the US-Israeli war on Iran, following a traditionally limited role in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The conflict has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and pushed up energy and shipping costs worldwide. China's Foreign Ministry said last week that special envoys would soon travel to the Middle East to encourage dialogue and reduce tensions.

Xi said Beijing wanted stronger communication and coordination with Arab countries, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. He presented that cooperation as a way to help restore peace and establish enduring stability and security.

Haitham arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a two-day trip, becoming the first Omani head of state to visit China since diplomatic relations began in 1978. Omani state media reported that he expressed his government's appreciation for China's stance on major regional issues.

The sultan linked development with stability, saying national prosperity depended on security, peace, respect for sovereignty and compliance with international law. He also emphasized that disagreements should be settled peacefully.

Economic cooperation was another focus of the talks. Haitham said Oman was willing to pursue a preferential bilateral agreement covering trade and investment with China. He said such an arrangement could create additional opportunities and make commercial and investment exchanges between the countries easier.

China is already Oman's biggest trading partner. Direct Beijing-Muscat flights, operating since November 2025, have strengthened business and tourism connections. Oman supplies China with crude oil and energy products while seeking to expand renewable energy supply chains and digital commerce. Haitham also highlighted cooperation among investment and financial institutions. People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng had greeted him on the airport tarmac in Beijing.