Xi Jinping tells Oman's sultan China hopes to "contribute to peace, stability and prosperity"

China stepped up Middle East diplomacy in Beijing on Monday, meeting Iranian, Omani and Saudi officials and calling for a negotiated end to a conflict that, according to the report, was triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and has disrupted shipping. President Xi Jinping told Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq that Beijing hoped to be a constructive actor in regional matters, Xinhua reported, during the Gulf state’s first head-of-state visit to China since diplomatic relations were established. Xi also said the region should not become an arena for competition among major powers and geopolitical disputes. The talks followed a renewed threat of military action by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the report. China plans to send its Middle East envoy to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia later this month to try to calm the situation and support talks.