Xi Jinping warns against great-power conflict in the Gulf as China, Oman eye trade pact

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Oman's sultan on Monday that the Gulf must not become a battleground for great-power rivalry.

• 1978: year ties began; this is the first Omani head-of-state visit since.
• Sultan Haitham said Oman is open to a preferential bilateral trade agreement.
• China is Oman's largest trade partner.
• Direct Beijing-Muscat flights began in November last year.

Why it matters: China has historically kept a low diplomatic profile in the Middle East. It is now stepping up as the war on Iran raises energy and shipping costs.

• Xi said China wants closer coordination with Gulf Cooperation Council states.
• Oman exports crude oil and energy products to China.

How 2 sources split on this story

What’s next: China says it will soon send special envoys to the region to promote de-escalation.

• Oman is seeking cooperation on renewable energy supply chains and digital commerce.
• Whether China and Oman will begin formal negotiations on a trade agreement.
• What role China's envoys will play in talks over the war on Iran.