On April 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open to global shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important waterways in the world. A large share of global oil passes through it every day. Any disruption can quickly affect energy prices and global markets.
During the call, Xi stressed that keeping the waterway open serves the “common interests” of both regional countries and the international community. China depends heavily on oil imports, including crude from Iran, which makes stability in the region especially important.
Tensions have increased after a fragile U.S.–Iran ceasefire showed signs of breaking down. The United States recently seized an Iranian cargo ship, while Iran signaled it would not join new peace talks for now. These developments raised concerns that the situation could worsen.
China has taken a clear position. Xi called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all sides to solve the conflict through diplomacy, not force. Chinese officials also expressed concern about the U.S. interception of the Iranian vessel and asked all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement.
The situation in the Strait remains tense. Reports say Iran has limited access to the waterway for some ships, while the U.S. has increased pressure on Iranian vessels. This creates risks for global trade and energy supply.
Hormuz open. If the route closes or becomes unsafe, the impact could spread far beyond the Middle East.
