Oman Strengthens China Ties as Relations With US Face New Strains
Oman is expanding its relationship with China as tensions with the United States increase following regional conflicts and disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.
Oman’s National Security Council Secretary-General Idris Abdulrahman Al Kindi recently visited Beijing, where officials discussed stronger cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and regional stability. The visit followed other high-level contacts between Chinese and Omani officials.
The shift comes as Muscat reassesses its security partnerships. While Oman remains a long-standing US partner and continues to host American military facilities, officials are seeking to diversify alliances by strengthening ties with China and European countries.
China is already Oman’s largest trading partner, with energy, infrastructure and investment forming the core of the relationship. Beijing has also invested heavily in Oman’s Duqm industrial zone as part of its Belt and Road Initiative.
Analysts say China’s growing economic role does not mean it has replaced the US security partnership, but Oman is increasingly pursuing a balanced foreign policy to protect its interests in a changing Gulf region.
