Beijing: China and Oman have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership through a series of economic, financial and technological cooperation agreements as Chinese President Xi Jinping called for peace and stability in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Xi met Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said in Beijing on Monday during a two day state visit. The two leaders witnessed the signing of one agreement, 14 memorandums of understanding and a cooperation protocol covering several areas of bilateral relations.
One of the agreements concerns a currency swap between the Central Bank of Oman and the People's Bank of China. The memorandums cover cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital finance, renewable energy, industrial development, space technology, satellite navigation, environmental protection and trade.
The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in logistics, manufacturing, food security, scientific research and the digital economy. A cooperation protocol also establishes inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for Omani dried dates exported to China.
Speaking during the meeting, Xi said the Middle East and Gulf region should not become an arena for rivalry between major powers. He stressed the importance of respecting national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and called for greater international efforts to restore regional peace.
Xi also said China was willing to work with Arab countries, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to promote peace and stability. He highlighted the need for dialogue and cooperation to address regional challenges.
The meeting comes at a time of growing concern over the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world's most important routes for transporting oil and gas, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Disruptions to shipping in the region have raised concerns about international energy supplies, trade and transportation costs. The situation has also increased diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and restore stability.
Oman has an important geographical position near the Strait of Hormuz and maintains diplomatic relations with countries across the Middle East. Its regional relationships have made it an important participant in diplomatic engagement on regional issues.
Sultan Haitham welcomed closer relations with China and highlighted opportunities to expand economic cooperation. He said development and stability were closely connected and stressed the importance of security, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The Sultan also expressed Oman's willingness to pursue a preferential trade and investment agreement with China. Such an arrangement could create additional opportunities for businesses, encourage investment and strengthen commercial exchanges between the two countries. However, the proposal has not been reported as a completed agreement.
He also highlighted opportunities to connect China's Belt and Road Initiative with Oman's Vision 2040 development programme. The areas identified for cooperation include advanced industries, renewable energy, green hydrogen, modern technology, the digital economy and logistics.
According to figures presented by the Sultan, direct investments by Chinese companies in Oman, undertaken in partnership with the Oman Investment Authority, have exceeded 33 billion Chinese yuan.
Trade between the two countries reached approximately 9.6 billion Omani rials in 2025. Omani exports to China accounted for 7.7 billion rials, while imports from China totalled 1.9 billion rials.
China is Oman's largest trading partner, with crude oil forming an important part of Omani exports to the Chinese market.
The November visit is particularly significant because it is the first visit to China by an Omani head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1978. Both countries have developed a strategic partnership and have continued to expand cooperation in trade, investment and diplomacy.
China has also announced plans to dispatch special envoys to the Middle East to promote dialogue and reduce tensions. The initiative reflects Beijing's growing diplomatic engagement as the regional conflict continues.
The latest agreements between China and Oman demonstrate their intention to expand cooperation beyond traditional energy and trade relations. They also underline the importance of regional stability to economic development and international commerce.
While the proposed preferential trade agreement and several areas of cooperation require further development, the documents signed during Sultan Haitham's visit provide a framework for closer relations between Beijing and Muscat.