Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to normal maritime navigation, warning that disruptions to the vital waterway threaten both regional stability and global energy security.
“The Strait of Hormuz should remain open to normal navigation, which serves the shared interests of countries in the region and the wider international community,” Xi said, in his clearest remarks yet on the issue.
The statement came during a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
Xi also reiterated Beijing’s call for an immediate ceasefire, urging all parties to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and preventing further escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Tensions in the region have intensified following the reported seizure by the United States of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday, a move that has cast uncertainty over a second round of ceasefire talks between Tehran and Washington.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a critical global energy corridor through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies transit, making its security a matter of international concern.
Xi’s remarks reflect growing urgency in Beijing’s messaging on the conflict. Last week, the Chinese leader outlined a four-point proposal aimed at advancing peace in the Middle East.
While China has so far been relatively shielded from global energy price shocks due to its substantial oil and gas reserves, rising costs have begun to impact its domestic economy. China also remains the largest importer of Iranian crude oil, further underscoring its strategic interest in regional stability.
