The official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the People’s Republic of China has received a warm welcome and considerable attention among Chinese political, cultural and academic circles. The visit represents a historic milestone in the course of Oman–China relations. It also offers opportunities to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership and take bilateral cooperation to broader horizons across various fields. It is also expected to feature important meetings and the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding to advance cooperation between the two friendly countries.

A number of Chinese experts and academics told the Oman News Agency (ONA) that the visit reflects the strength of the historic relations between Oman and the People’s Republic of China. It also demonstrates the commitment of both countries’ leaderships to advancing these relations to new levels, in line with global economic and technological developments and in a way that serves the shared interests of their peoples.

Dr Ibrahim Li, a Chinese expert in international affairs, said the visit represents an important historic milestone in Oman–China relations. It is the first visit by an Omani Sultan to China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1978. It also reflects the depth of their historic ties and the strength of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Dr Li added that the visit comes at a time when bilateral relations are witnessing continuous development, particularly since they were elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2018. He noted that the visit offers an important opportunity to open a new chapter of cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields.

He also pointed to the growing interest among Chinese companies and businesspeople in the Omani market and their efforts to explore the available investment and trade opportunities, particularly in imports and exports, project implementation and investment. He highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, advanced technology and space sectors.

He explained that the growing alignment between Omani and Chinese diplomacy, based on dialogue, peace, respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs and mutual benefit, provides common ground for strengthening coordination and cooperation between the two countries on regional and international issues.

For his part, Dr Fu Zhiming, Deputy Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Sultan Qaboos Chair Professor of Arabic Studies at Peking University, said the historic visit reflects the depth of the longstanding Omani–Chinese friendship and the rich civilisational and cultural heritage shared by the two countries. He noted that it opens new horizons for strengthening economic, trade, investment and scientific cooperation.

Dr Zhiming also highlighted the importance of expanding the economic and industrial partnership, strengthening mutual investment and making use of Oman’s strategic location and historic maritime trade heritage. This would further enhance Oman’s role as a hub for commercial and economic links between China, the Arab region and global markets.

He noted that conventional and renewable energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, computing and space technologies represent promising areas for cooperation between the two countries. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening scientific and academic exchanges and providing more opportunities for Omani students to study at Chinese universities and benefit from China’s experience in science, technology and innovation.

He further underlined the importance of encouraging Omani institutions and companies to explore investment opportunities in the Chinese market, while attracting more Chinese investment and companies to Oman. This would contribute to knowledge transfer, the localisation of modern technologies and the development of sustainable economic partnerships that serve the development priorities of both countries.

These statements reflect the expectations of Chinese circles that His Majesty’s visit will usher in a new phase in Oman–China relations. This phase will build on a historic legacy of friendship and civilisational exchange while looking towards broader prospects for partnership and integration in the economic, technological and cultural fields, further strengthening the two countries’ presence on the regional and international cooperation landscape.