In his first-ever remark on the escalating US-Iran hostilities, Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a phone call with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, on Monday, called for an immediate and comprehensive US-Iran ceasefire as he pushed for the resolution to the month-long deadlock over the blockade of the vital chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz.
Xi emphasised the resumption of the uninterrupted maritime traffic through the strategic artery that facilitates the flow of 20% of the world’s total oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Speaking with his Gulf counterpart, Xi highlighted the need for regional stability, diplomatic solutions, and strategic cooperation as tensions continue to shape Middle East geopolitics, multiple agencies, including Reuters and SPA, reported. He outlined that efforts must be made toward regional de-escalation and enhancing security and stability in the Middle East.
The Chinese president particularly emphasised the maritime security and its economic repercussions from the Hormuz Strait blockade and its impact on the global economy and trade. He also pushed for freedom of navigation in the vital waterway, such that the interests of regional countries and the international community remain intact.
“The Strait of Hormuz should remain open to normal passage, as this serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community,” Chinese President Xi Jinping told the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to Beijing’s state news agency Xinhua.
Xi Underscores Beijing’s Growing Diplomatic Role In The Middle East
Underscoring Beijing’s growing diplomatic role in the Middle East, China’s Xi called for stability in the critical transit corridor, saying that the tensions between Washington and Tehran have become increasingly sensitive. He reiterated his support for a cooperative framework that works toward security, stability and long-term resolution of the hostilities in the region.
“China backs all diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring peace,” Xi reportedly told his counterpart, Bin Salman. He noted that the Middle East conflict should be resolved through political dialogue rather than military escalation, as he aligned China’s broader foreign policy approach during the conflicts with the situation in the Gulf region.
The Chinese President also reviewed strategic ties between Saudi Arabia and China with respect to the existing areas of cooperation between the two countries. He expressed readiness to deepen the strategy trust with his Gulf ally.
The phone call between Xi and MBS was held as the US President Donald Trump announced his plans to dispatch an American delegation to Islamabad to hold the next round of ceasefire negotiations to end the war with Iran. Tehran, which has sent mixed signals about resumption of a dialogue with the US, has demanded that Washington scrap economic sanctions and the blockade of its ports as a pretext for indirect talks between the two sides.
US President Donald Trump To Visit Xi Jinping
US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14 and 15. Trump delayed his China visit by several weeks as the Iran war intensified in recent days. In a post on Truth Social, the US president predicted that “much will be achieved” during his “special” meeting with the Chinese leader next month, as analysts warn that Trump has no bargaining chips left.
“China’s President Xi is very happy that the Strait of Hormuz is open and/or rapidly opening; I look forward to meeting Xi. Our meeting in China will be a special one and, potentially, Historic. I look forward to being with President Xi – Much will be accomplished!” Trump wrote, mentioning the brief unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz when the passage for commercial shipping resumed before Iran reimposed the restrictions on the maritime artery over the US blockade of its ports.
Trump was originally scheduled to travel to China from March 31 to April 2, but had to postpone the plan. At a press briefing, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the new dates in May, adding that the US First Lady, Melania Trump, will host the Chinese President later this year.
