Xi Jinping says Middle East must not become battleground for great-power rivalry

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday said the Middle East and Gulf region should not become a battleground for great-power rivalry, offering to work with Arab nations to restore peace and ensure lasting stability amid escalating tensions in the region.During a meeting with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said in Beijing, Xi said China was willing to strengthen coordination with Arab countries, including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, to address regional security challenges."The Middle East Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry and geopolitical conflict. Peace and stability in the region require joint nurturing and protection by all parties," Xi said, according to China's foreign ministry.He added that the world was undergoing "profound changes unseen in a century", and said China remained committed to stopping the war and contributing "wisdom and solutions to resolving the region's security dilemmas".China has traditionally maintained a low-key diplomatic presence in the Middle East but has stepped up efforts to ease tensions amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed up global energy and freight costs.Last week, China's foreign ministry said Beijing would soon send special envoys to the Middle East to promote engagement and de-escalation.Haitham's first visit to ChinaHaitham arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a two-day visit, marking the first trip to China by an Omani head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1978.According to Omani state media, Haitham told Xi that his government had deep appreciation for China's positions on key regional issues."We believe that development and stability are inextricably linked," he said."The prosperity of nations requires an environment defined by security, peace, respect for state sovereignty, and adherence to international law — an environment where disputes are resolved through peaceful means."The Omani sultan also said his country was open to entering into a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement with China.China is Oman's largest trading partner. Economic and tourism ties between the two countries have also received a boost from direct flights between Beijing and Muscat, which began in November last year.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.