BEIJING/RIYADH: Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the restoration of “safe passage” in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway serves the shared interests of regional countries and the wider international community.
Xi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, according to official Chinese state media and multiple international reports. “The Strait of Hormuz should remain open for normal passage, which aligns with the common interest of countries in the region and the international community,” Xi was quoted as saying.
The call comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, where recent U.S. naval actions against Iranian-flagged vessels have triggered sharp spikes in global oil prices and raised fears of wider confrontation. Iran has denounced the seizures as violations of international law and threatened retaliation, while Washington insists the measures are part of a maritime blockade to enforce sanctions. With nearly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, any disruption has immediate global economic repercussions.
China voices ‘grave concern’ as US seizes Iranian cargo ship
During the telephonic conversation, the Chinese leader emphasized that Beijing attaches great importance to its ties with Riyadh, noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the China–Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership. He said China is ready to deepen strategic trust, expand cooperation, and set a model for relations between China and Arab states.
On the wider Middle East situation, Xi reiterated China’s call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, voicing support for political and diplomatic solutions to disputes. He said China backs regional countries in building a “common home of good-neighborliness, development, security and cooperation” to ensure lasting peace.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described Saudi–China relations as strategic, adding that Riyadh values Beijing’s consistent support for dialogue and stability in the Middle East. He warned that ongoing warfare in the region undermines Gulf security and disrupts global energy supplies. Saudi Arabia, he said, is committed to preventing escalation and ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts believe against this backdrop, Xi’s appeal for “safe passage” underscores China’s growing role as a stakeholder in Gulf stability, reflecting both its energy security concerns and its broader diplomatic push to position itself as a mediator in regional conflicts.
China asserts right to Hormuz passage, warns US against ‘meddling’
