Oman and China: Investment and Partnership

I still recall the congratulatory telegram sent by the Chinese President to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik last year on the occasion of the National Day, and the expressive words it contained: “The Sultanate of Oman enjoys a unique and distinctive influence, and is an important strategic partner for China. I attach great importance to developing Chinese-Omani relations.” It was from this perspective that the invitation was extended for “His Highness” to visit the People’s Republic of China. This visit is unprecedented for this great nation, marking 47 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The continuity of high-level visits carries both historical and geographical dimensions. From the historic Windsor Castle in London and the empire where the sun never set in the west, to the Great Hall of the People in the great empire and one of the oldest civilizations and cultures in the east, His Excellency President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, was at the forefront of welcoming His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik with great hospitality upon his arrival at the Great Hall of the People.

Omani-Chinese relations trace their roots back thousands of years through the maritime vessels of both countries. These ships, which navigated the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, and the Gulf of Oman, linked the East with the West via the Silk Road, laying the initial seeds of this friendly relationship. Today, this relationship is not limited to the commercial dimension; it has expanded and grown significantly since the commencement of diplomatic relations in 1978. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s visit, the first to the People’s Republic of China, along with the accompanying meetings and agreements, and the convening of the Omani-Chinese Forum, serve as a confirmation of what the Chinese President stated in his telegram, and a translation into action of the strategic partnership between Muscat and Beijing. China is the world’s largest economy, while the Sultanate of Oman possesses the best strategic location linking Asia, Africa, and Europe through its multiple ports. This complementarity will yield numerous and substantial benefits for both countries in the near future.

Re-weaving the threads of old commercial cooperation and opening a new chapter in modern Omani-Chinese relations was the core of the gracious visit. Leaders of both countries attach great importance to developing bilateral relations and advancing them in various key areas, a goal reflected in the Forum, which witnessed the signing of agreements worth billions of dollars. Furthermore, Oman and China follow a unified foreign policy based on neutrality and non-interference in the affairs of other states. In addition, China is Oman’s largest trading partner, possessing the capabilities, expertise, and industries to contribute to Oman Vision 2040, while the Sultanate is China’s fourth-largest trading partner in the Arab world.

Despite the relative youth of diplomatic relations, historical ties—representing the collective memory of nations—extend over more than 1,200 years, serving as bridges for cultural and commercial exchange between Omani and Chinese civilizations. These ties have been revived in modern times through the introduction of the Chinese language in some Omani universities and schools, and by opening Omani markets to Chinese industries such as technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy. The journey is filled with promising cooperation and strong strategic partnerships between the two sides.

Despite the ongoing development of bilateral relations, “His Highness” Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s visit to China will serve as a powerful driver to propel these relations forward, advancing them into broader horizons of strategic partnership led by the Oman Investment Authority in the truest sense of the term. This will enhance investments and explore partnership opportunities with China across various vital sectors, reflecting the strength and resilience of bilateral ties.

Nevertheless, China remains the country with which differences can be managed, as its principles are clear and its credibility intact. This first royal visit to this major global power carries significant political meaning, outlining the contours of the next phase for both countries and marking a landmark milestone that translates the wise leadership’s vision of openness to all friendly nations, leveraging their expertise, capabilities, and industrial capacities, and strengthening partnerships with them. Today, this historic visit has framed the sincere relations and the foundations upon which the two countries were built in the past, and their continuation in the present and future, based on shared interests and mutual respect. With this visit, Omani–Chinese relations have entered a new phase, through the roadmap agreed upon in Beijing, and the effort to localize distinctive Chinese industries in the Sultanate of Oman—a stage that will represent an unprecedented redefinition of Muscat’s position at the heart of the global commercial and investment landscape, thanks to its strategic location. Today, this relationship is no longer limited to its historical dimension, such as the trade and Silk Road routes, but has evolved into the true beginning of a new journey from the Great Wall of China to the calm and peaceful shores of Oman, where Chinese ships will once again sail safely to the ports of Duqm, Sur, and Dhofar, as they did in the past and in previous centuries, when Oman was the first Arab country to be historically and culturally linked with China. And God knows best what is intended.