China and Oman push for Iran dialogue, explore new trade agreement

New Delhi: China and Oman have called for restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and resolving the US-Iran conflict through dialogue. The issue featured prominently in talks between the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, and Oman’s sultan, Haitham bin Tariq al, said in Beijing on Monday, as both countries discussed regional security and closer economic cooperation.

In a joint statement issued after their meeting, the two countries urged Washington and Tehran to return to the agreement reached in June to end the conflict and resume negotiations. They also stressed the need to restore normal and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for international energy shipments.

Xi said the Gulf region should not become an arena for competition between major powers. He added that China was prepared to work with Arab countries, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to help restore peace and ensure long-term regional stability.

Beijing has increased its diplomatic engagement in the Middle East amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and its impact on regional security, energy supplies and shipping. The China’s foreign ministry announced that its special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, would visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia this month.

The discussions also focused on expanding trade and investment. Haitham said Oman was open to a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement, expressing confidence that it would create fresh opportunities for commercial exchanges between the two countries.

Energy remained another major area of cooperation, with both sides agreeing to strengthen ties in oil and natural gas. Their joint statement also identified solar power, wind energy, electricity transmission and storage as areas for expanding cooperation in renewable energy.

China is Oman’s active trading partner, while Muscat is looking to develop its renewable energy supply chains and digital commerce. Direct flights between Beijing and Muscat, introduced in November last year, have also supported growing business and tourism connections.

Haitham arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a two-day state visit, marking the first visit to China by an Omani head of state since diplomatic relations were established in 1978. During his meeting with Xi, he emphasised that economic development and stability depended on peace, respect for national sovereignty and adherence to international law.