Pakistan, Nov. 3 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that the Middle East and Gulf region must not become a battleground for great-power competition. Speaking with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said in Beijing, Xi emphasized China's commitment to regional stability. Furthermore, Beijing has traditionally maintained a low-key diplomatic posture in Middle Eastern affairs. However, Chinese officials are stepping up diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions arising from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Consequently, the ongoing war has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global energy prices. Therefore, Chinese leadership is actively offering diplomatic solutions to address regional security dilemmas....