China’s President Xi Jinping on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Iran War and said the Strait of Hormuz should be reopened for shipping traffic, in his first public remarks calling for the critical waterway to be opened just weeks before he is set to host President Donald Trump in Beijing.
By Siladitya Ray, Forbes Staff
Key Facts
Xi’s remarks were included in a readout of a call between him and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, released by Chinese State media.
Xi said the strait should “remain open for normal passage,” without singling out either Iran or the U.S. blockade.
The Chinese leader also added that his country wants an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” and is willing to support all diplomatic efforts to restore peace.
The president’s remarks were published hours after the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s daily press conference, where a spokesperson said Beijing was concerned about the U.S.’s “forcible interception” of an Iranian vessel on Sunday.
Xi’s remark echoes comments made by the country’s foreign ministry over the past few weeks, but this is the first time he has directly addressed the issue of Hormuz’s shutdown.
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