Xi says Middle East must not become arena for great-power rivalry as China offers deeper coordination with Gulf states to restore peace

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the Middle East and Gulf should not become an arena for great-power rivalry or geopolitical confrontation, offering to strengthen Beijing’s coordination with Arab and Gulf states to help restore regional peace.

Xi made the remarks during talks with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Beijing on Monday, as China seeks a larger diplomatic role in efforts to contain the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and restore stability in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Peace and stability in the region require joint nurturing and protection by all parties,” Xi said, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.

He said Beijing was prepared to increase communication and coordination with Arab countries and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Oman, to work toward an early restoration of regional peace and lasting stability.

China and Oman also issued a 20-point joint statement calling for the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and urging the United States and Iran to pursue a peaceful resolution and resume dialogue.

Beijing has said it will send special envoys to the Middle East this month as part of efforts to promote negotiations and de-escalation. China’s Middle East envoy is expected to visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Sultan Haitham said Oman appreciated China’s positions on regional issues and stressed that development and stability were inseparable, with disputes requiring peaceful resolution and respect for state sovereignty and international law.

The two leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation in oil and gas, renewable energy, electricity infrastructure and energy storage.

Haitham’s two-day state visit is the first by an Omani head of state to China since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1978.