The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the People’s Republic of China, the first ever such visit,  marks a significant milestone in relations between the Sultanate of Oman and China, opening new opportunities for cooperation in political, economic, investment, cultural and scientific fields.

Relations between the two countries date back more than 1,200 years, when Omani merchants established maritime trade links with China along the ancient Silk Road. Historical records trace these connections to the voyage of the Omani merchant Abu Ubaydah Abdullah bin Al Qasim from Sohar to Guangzhou around 750.

Chinese navigator Zheng He’s voyages to Oman in the fifteenth century further strengthened maritime and cultural exchanges.

Modern diplomatic relations were established on May 25, 1978. In 2018, the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership and signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Since then, cooperation has expanded across energy, infrastructure, investment, technology, logistics and cultural exchange.

Political coordination continues through regular strategic consultations between the two Foreign Ministries. The 14th round, held in Beijing in April 2025, was chaired by Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, and his Chinese counterpart Liu Bin.

Economic relations have also expanded considerably, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 25 billion in 2025. China remains Oman’s largest trading partner and its largest export market. The partnership supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly economic diversification, industrial development and investment in emerging technologies.

The Oman-China Joint Committee, established under a trade agreement signed in 1980, provides an important framework for economic cooperation. Its tenth session, held in Beijing in December 2025, explored opportunities in manufacturing, renewable energy, digital commerce and logistics.

Discussions also covered an integrated industrial complex for renewable energy supply chains and the development of smart warehouses and distribution centres in Duqm, Sohar and Salalah.

The Special Economic Zone at Duqm has emerged as a major centre for Chinese investment, including the China-Oman Industrial City.

Other areas of cooperation include green hydrogen, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, ports and supply chains. Direct flights between Beijing and Muscat and visa facilitation measures have further strengthened tourism, business and cultural links.

Cultural and educational cooperation has also developed through the Oman-China Friendship Association, established in 2010, and the China-Oman Friendship Society, founded in 2007. Both organisations promote exchanges between institutions, businesses, students and cultural communities, building on the historical relationship between the two peoples.

Anwar Muqaibal, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the People’s Republic of China, said His Majesty’s visit, the first by an Omani Sultan to China, represents a historic milestone and an opportunity to advance the strategic partnership.

He highlighted the growth of bilateral trade, which exceeded USD 25 billion in 2025, and identified renewable energy, green hydrogen, industrial investment, artificial intelligence, logistics and food security as priority areas for future cooperation.

He said Oman’s strategic location, modern infrastructure and economic zones offer significant opportunities for Chinese investors, particularly in Duqm.

The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of political coordination based on mutual respect, dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, alongside closer cooperation in maritime security, education, scientific research and cultural exchange. He said the alignment between Oman Vision 2040 and the Belt and Road Initiative provides a strong foundation for long-term economic development and sustainable partnerships.

Lyu Jian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Oman, described His Majesty’s visit as an important opportunity to deepen relations and expand practical cooperation.

He highlighted the historical links between the two countries and the development of their strategic partnership since 2018. He praised Oman’s investment environment and cited Chinese involvement in energy, electricity transmission and cement production, including projects undertaken by China National Petroleum Corporation, State Grid Corporation of China and Huaxin.

The Ambassador also welcomed growing trade, direct air connectivity and visa facilitation measures. On education, he noted that Chinese is taught in eight Omani schools, while more than 300 training programmes have benefited more than 2,000 Omani officials and technicians since 2018.

Approximately 200 Omani students have also pursued postgraduate studies in China through government scholarships. He expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen cooperation in innovation, digital transformation, culture, education and investment.

The visit is expected to build on the two countries’ longstanding friendship and expand their strategic partnership, supporting shared development priorities and creating further opportunities for economic, scientific and cultural cooperation.