President Xi Jinping discusses stability in the Middle East with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq

On November 2, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping held high-level diplomatic discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman regarding the current geopolitical volatility in the Middle East. President Xi emphasized that the Gulf region must not become a theater for great power rivalries or geopolitical conflicts, noting that global stability requires collective efforts from all involved parties to maintain peace.

China’s diplomatic engagement comes amid the ongoing US-Israeli war in Iran, which has caused significant disruption to global energy supplies and maritime logistics. The conflict has effectively paralyzed the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a sharp increase in global energy costs and the prices of maritime transport. President Xi described the current global environment as experiencing profound changes unprecedented in a century.

Historically known for a low-profile diplomatic approach in the region, China has recently intensified its involvement to help resolve these tensions. By advocating for a peaceful resolution, Beijing seeks to protect its interests and ensure the stabilization of regional security, though the report does not outline specific upcoming concrete steps or court actions.