China and Oman Urge Hormuz Maritime Security and Middle East De-Escalation

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Beijing during a two-day state visit, Voice of Emirates reported. President Xi stated that peace and stability in the Middle East require shared stewardship by all stakeholders, affirming that China will continue advocating for the resolution of disputes through political and diplomatic channels.

Amid concerns over potential military escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, President Xi warned against transforming the Middle East and the Gulf of Oman into a theater for major-power geopolitical rivalry. According to China's Xinhua News Agency, Beijing and Muscat agreed to encourage Washington and Tehran to pursue peaceful avenues, highlighting the necessity of returning to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to resume direct talks.

The discussions underscored full alignment between China and Oman on the urgency of restoring normal, safe commercial navigation across the Strait of Hormuz, described as an essential conduit for global trade and international energy supplies.

President Xi also expressed China's willingness to deepen communication and coordination with Arab countries, particularly the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The talks follow an announcement by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicating plans to dispatch special envoys to the Middle East to advance regional de-escalation efforts.