Xi Tells Oman's Sultan the Gulf Must Not Become Arena for Great-Power Rivalry

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on 2 November that the Middle East and Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry or geopolitical conflict. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during the sultan's two-day visit, the first by an Omani head of state since the countries established diplomatic relations in 1978. Xi said peace and stability require joint nurturing and protection by all parties. China is willing to work with Arab nations, including Gulf Cooperation Council states, to restore peace and achieve lasting stability.

Xi noted that the world is undergoing profound changes. He said China has consistently been committed to stopping the war and hopes to contribute wisdom and solutions to the region's security dilemmas. A 20-point joint statement called for normal and safe navigation to resume in the Strait of Hormuz. It urged the United States and Iran to pursue peaceful options, return to the June agreement aimed at ending the conflict, and restart dialogue. China's special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, is scheduled to visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia this month.

Sultan Haitham told Xi that Oman deeply appreciates China's positions on key regional issues. He said development and stability are linked and require security, respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Oman is open to a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement. China is Oman's largest trading partner. Direct flights between Beijing and Muscat have operated since November 2025. Xi described the two countries as stable energy partners, investment partners with significant potential, and partners in high-tech innovation.

Context of the Visit

The talks occur against the backdrop of the US-Iran conflict, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and raised global energy costs. China purchased the bulk of Iran's oil exports before the fighting intensified. Iranian crude favored by some Chinese private refiners has been affected by the maritime situation. Oman has sought arrangements with its neighbor on Hormuz navigation. Trump has indicated the United States could resume strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections.

China has traditionally kept a lower profile in Middle East diplomacy but has increased engagement as the conflict has continued. The joint call for safe passage and a return to the June framework is the concrete output of the visit. The sultan invited Xi to visit Oman. Energy cooperation remains a central element of the bilateral relationship.

What the Statements Establish

Xi's language on great-power rivalry is a clear public position that the Gulf should not become a theater for competition between major powers. The joint statement adds specific language on Hormuz navigation and the path back to dialogue between Washington and Tehran. These are the verifiable commitments from the meeting. Whether they translate into mediation steps or changes in shipping volumes will depend on the parties directly involved in the conflict. For now, the visit has produced a public alignment between Beijing and Muscat on the need for de-escalation and restored safe passage.