China’s Xi Says Middle East Must Avoid Great Power Rivalry

China – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Chinese President Xi Jinping says the Gulf must not turn into a stage for great power rivalry. He made the remark on Monday while meeting Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said in Beijing.

Xi said the world is going through “profound changes unseen in a century.” He added that peace in the Middle East needs care from every side.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Xi said the region should not become an arena for geopolitical conflict. He said China wants to help end the war and offer ideas to ease the region’s security problems.

China has long kept a quiet role in Middle East politics. That is now changing. The US-Israeli war on Iran has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and pushed up energy and shipping costs around the world.

Xi also said China will work closely with Arab countries, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The goal, he said, is lasting peace and security.

Last week, China’s Foreign Ministry said it would soon send special envoys to the region. Their task will be to build talks and calm tensions.

A First for Oman and China

Sultan Haitham arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a two-day visit. It is the first trip by an Omani head of state since the two countries set up ties in 1978.

The sultan said Oman values China’s stand on key regional issues. He said growth and stability go hand in hand. In his words, nations can only thrive where there is peace, respect for sovereignty and fair use of international law.

He also said Oman is open to a preferential trade and investment deal with China. He believes it would create fresh chances for business between the two countries.

China is already Oman’s biggest trade partner. Direct flights between Beijing and Muscat, which began last November, have helped tourism and business links grow.

Oman sells crude oil and energy products to China. It also wants to grow its renewable energy chains and digital trade.

Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, welcomed the sultan on the airport tarmac. The sultan also stressed teamwork between investment and financial bodies.