Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman met in Beijing on November 2, 2026. The two leaders agreed to align development strategies across energy, investment, and high-tech innovation. Discussions also covered broader China-GCC engagement to protect supply chains and regional commercial stability.
Leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council have dismissed assertions that the Strait of Hormuz could become obsolete amid alternative logistics developments. Speaking at the Gateway Gulf event in Bahrain, officials emphasized that the waterway remains critical for global energy and trade flows. UAE and Bahraini ministers underlined the need for diversified trade corridors alongside broader GCC economic integration.
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman has departed on an official state visit to China following an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The bilateral agenda focuses on expanding investment in energy, logistics, and manufacturing after bilateral trade exceeded $25 billion in 2025. Discussions also aim to accelerate negotiations on the China-GCC comprehensive free trade agreement.
Bilateral trade between Oman and China reached RO 9.6 billion in 2025, maintaining China as Oman's top trading partner. Omani officials are targeting Chinese capital in manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while backing China-GCC free trade negotiations.
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