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Xi Jinping Urges Hormuz Reopening In Rare Call With Saudi De Facto Ruler
China's President Xi Jinping urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during a Monday phone call with Mohammed bin Salman, calling for an immediate ceasefire and for disputes to be resolved politically and diplomatically. He emphasized that Hormuz should remain open for normal transit, aligning Beijing's stance with broader regional and international interests. The remarks follow a turbulent weekend in the Middle East as tensions over Hormuz and related conflicts continue to unfold.
Why It Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil chokepoint; Xi's call signals China’s effort to influence Middle East security and stabilize energy supplies for its status as a major importer of LNG and oil.
Timeline
3 Events
Publication notes and context of Xi-Saudi call
April 21, 2026
The article reporting Xi's comments notes it was his first call with the Saudi crown prince in over three years and places the remarks within broader Middle East tensions and Xi's earlier public comments on the Iran war.
Xi Jinping asks for Hormuz reopening in rare call
April 20, 2026
In a Monday phone call, Xi Jinping urged the restoration of transit through the Strait of Hormuz and an immediate ceasefire, stating that disputes should be resolved through political and diplomatic means. He stated that Hormuz should remain open and emphasised the importance of regional countries and the international community benefiting from free passage.
Iran says it will reopen the Strait of Hormuz
April 17, 2026
Iran announced it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in light of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The move triggered a drop in oil prices and was followed by a reversal after the United States refused to lift its blockade; the US Navy also fired upon and boarded an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman as tensions rose.