Sultan Haitham Visits Beijing to Strengthen China-Oman Ties

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said of Oman arrived in Beijing on November 1, 2026, for a two-day state visit, marking the first time an Omani head of state has visited China since diplomatic ties began in 1978. Invited by President Xi Jinping, the Sultan was welcomed by People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng before an official reception at the Great Hall of the People.

During their meeting on Monday, the two leaders focused on deepening a strategic partnership to support Oman's Vision 2040 economic diversification. Sultan Haitham proposed a preferential bilateral trade and investment agreement to enhance commercial exchanges in finance, digital technology, and renewable energy. China currently serves as Oman's largest trade partner, while Oman is China's fifth-largest crude oil supplier.

The leaders also addressed escalating tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. President Xi emphasized that the Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry and expressed China's commitment to resolving regional security dilemmas. Oman sought stronger Chinese engagement to promote reconciliation amid ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.