US President Joe Biden got briefed on China’s potential plan to create a military base in Oman, as reported by South China Morning Post on November 7, 2023.
This move is part of China’s broader effort to boost its defense and diplomatic connections in the Middle East.
Unnamed insiders revealed that Chinese military officials held talks with Omani counterparts in the past month. It appeared that Oman was open to the idea of a military collaboration.
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Both sides agreed to have more discussions in the coming weeks.
So far, there hasn’t been any official response from China’s foreign ministry, the White House, or Oman’s embassy in the United States.
China already has a military facility in Djibouti, East Africa, and this new plan in Oman is causing concern among policymakers in the United States and the Middle East.
The Middle East is important due to its energy resources, trade routes, and geopolitics.
The possibility of China having a military base in Oman has raised questions in Washington and could impact existing U.S. alliances in the region.
This move is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to strengthen ties with countries along the ancient Silk Road trade routes. Oman’s strategic location makes it an attractive partner for China.
The world will be watching the outcome of further discussions between China and Oman as it could have a big impact on the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.
