Xi Jinping urges open Strait of Hormuzopen Strait of Hormuz in call with Saudi Crown Prince
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open during a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. The statement comes amid an escalating US-Iran standoff over the vital waterway, where the US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and Iran has restricted transit, halting shipping after a brief reopening last week. US forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday, heightening tensions in the region.
This intervention underscores China's interest in securing global oil flows, as the strait handles a fifth of the world's supply and disruptions have strained energy markets. Mediators push for new US-Iran talks in Pakistan, but both sides have reimposed restrictions, risking broader economic fallout and renewed conflict.
Chinese Perspective
President Xi Jinping emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must stay open to ensure stable international shipping and energy supplies. He made the call to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to coordinate on maintaining maritime security amid rising tensions. Beijing views uninterrupted access as essential for global trade.
- The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global petroleum liquids, making blockades economically devastating for energy-dependent nations worldwide.
- Xi Jinping abolished China's presidential term limits in 2018, consolidating power comparable to Mao Zedong's influence over the nation.
- Mohammed bin Salman orchestrated a 2017 palace coup to become Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler and launched Vision 2030 economic reforms.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
