Xi: Middle East must not be great-power battleground — SkimNews
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- Xi Jinping stated the Middle East Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry, emphasizing joint efforts to protect peace and stability
- China is dispatching special envoys to the Middle East to promote de-escalation, as part of its effort to contribute 'wisdom and solutions' to regional security issues
- Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said visited Beijing for the first state visit by an Omani leader since diplomatic ties were established in 1978
- Xi Jinping offered China's willingness to strengthen coordination with Arab countries, including Gulf Cooperation Council states, to achieve lasting regional stability
- Haitham bin Tariq al-Said expressed openness to a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement with China, citing mutual economic benefits
- China is Oman's largest trade partner, with enhanced ties supported by direct flights between Beijing and Muscat since November of the previous year
Why it matters: China is leveraging diplomatic engagement with Oman and broader Arab cooperation to position itself as a neutral peace broker in the Middle East, countering traditional Western influence at a time of heightened regional instability and disrupted global shipping routes.
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