Xi Warns Against Great-Power Rivalry in Middle East

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on November 2 that the Middle East and Gulf should not become an arena for great-power rivalry, as Beijing signaled plans for further regional diplomacy. Xi said peace and stability required collective efforts by countries in the region, according to China’s Foreign Ministry. He also said China was willing to work with Arab countries, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, toward peace and lasting stability. The remarks were made during Haitham’s meeting with Xi in Beijing. A joint statement issued after the talks recorded Oman’s support for China’s proposals on Middle East peace and its expectation that Beijing would play a larger role in efforts toward regional stability. China’s special envoy to the Middle East is scheduled to visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in November, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The announcement did not give dates for individual stops. The envoy’s planned trip follows other diplomatic contacts. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing. Wang urged the parties to pursue...