Xi tells Oman’s Sultan the Gulf must not become an arena for great-power rivalry as China pushes for lasting regional peace

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that the Middle East and Gulf should not become an arena for great-power rivalry or geopolitical confrontation, as Beijing steps up diplomatic efforts to help end the U.S.-Iran conflict and restore stability in the region.

Xi made the remarks during talks with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during the first state visit to China by an Omani head of state since diplomatic relations were established in 1978.

“The Middle East Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry and geopolitical conflict,” Xi said, according to China’s Foreign Ministry. “Peace and stability in the region require joint nurturing and protection by all parties.”

Xi said China remained committed to ending hostilities and hoped to contribute “wisdom and solutions” to resolving what he called the region’s security dilemmas.

He added that Beijing was ready to strengthen coordination with Arab states, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to help restore peace and achieve long-term regional stability and security.

China and Oman also issued a 20-point joint statement calling for the resumption of normal and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and urging the United States and Iran to pursue peaceful options, return to the agreement reached in June and restart dialogue.

The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in oil and natural gas while expanding work in renewable energy, including solar and wind power, electricity infrastructure and energy storage.

Sultan Haitham said Oman appreciated China’s positions on major regional issues and argued that development and stability depended on security, respect for sovereignty, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

China has taken a more active diplomatic role in the region in recent weeks. Beijing has announced that its Middle East envoy will visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to promote de-escalation.