Developing | Xi Jinping says Strait of Hormuz should be open in call with Saudi crown prince

The Strait of Hormuz should remain open, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said in a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

It was the first time the Chinese leader had called for the reopening of the strategically vital waterway, which has been repeatedly blockaded since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28.

“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 said in Monday’s call.

“China advocates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace and insists on resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels.”

He also said China supported regional nations in “building a shared home of neighbourliness, development, security and cooperation and taking their future and destiny into their own hands” to promote regional peace and stability.

The stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz has choked global oil supply chains, plunged the global energy markets into chaos and dragged down world economic growth.