Xi Urges Gulf Avoid Great-Power Rivalry
China's president told Oman's sultan the Middle East Gulf should not become an arena for competition between major powers.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Middle East
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Chinese President Xi Jinping told Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on Monday that the Middle East Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry. The remarks came during Haitham's two-day state visit to Beijing, the first by an Omani head of state since the countries established ties in 1978.
Why it matters
The comments come as the US-Israeli war on Iran has snarled the Strait of Hormuz and driven up global energy and shipping costs. China said it will soon dispatch special envoys to the Middle East to promote engagement and de-escalation.
Sultan Haitham's visit lasts two days, the first Omani head-of-state trip to China since ties began in 1978. China is Oman's largest trade partner, and direct Beijing-Muscat flights began in November 2025, though no preferential trade terms have been announced.
The players
Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is the President of China and general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, who leads the country's foreign policy direction.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said is the ruler of Oman, who came to power in 2020 following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
Pan Gongsheng
Pan Gongsheng is the Governor of the People's Bank of China, the country's central bank.
The details
Xi made the remarks according to China's Foreign Ministry, stressing that China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Arab countries, including Gulf Cooperation Council states. Haitham, welcomed on the tarmac by People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng, said Oman is open to a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement, and Oman exports crude oil and energy products to China.
Timeline
- Sultan Haitham arrived in Beijing on November 1, 2026 for a two-day visit.
- Xi made the remarks to the sultan on November 2, 2026.
- Direct Beijing-Muscat flights began in November 2025.
- China and Oman established diplomatic ties in 1978.
- China plans to dispatch special envoys to the Middle East soon.
Travel Outlook
Gulf travel and trade links between China and Oman expanded with the start of direct flights, extending the Belt and Road Initiative's investment ties into the region. Rising shipping costs through the Strait of Hormuz may affect air and maritime routes that connect Asia to the Gulf.
Travelers considering a trip to Oman or the Gulf should check current airline schedules and shipping-related travel advisories, as regional disruption can affect routes and costs. Direct Beijing-Muscat flights offer a new nonstop option for travelers between China and Oman.
The takeaway
Diplomatic engagement between China and Gulf states is expanding alongside trade and transport links, which may shape travel options between Asia and the Middle East. Readers planning regional trips should monitor route availability and advisories as the situation evolves.
Further reading
Explore more on Middle East travel and regional developments.
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