Maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained: Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for maintaining "normal navigation" through the Strait of Hormuz during a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, April 20, 2026.

This discussion follows a period of heightened regional tension starting in late February when the U.S. and Israel launched operations toward Iran, a conflict currently held in check by a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire.

President Xi’s appeal underscores the global economic importance of the strait. Meanwhile, international attention is shifting toward the upcoming summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump scheduled for May in China, where the future of Middle East stability and allegations regarding Chinese support for Iran are expected to be key talking points.