Xi Jinping calls for Strait of Hormuz to remain open during call with Saudi crown prince

China president Xi Jinping called for normal passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz to be maintained during a phone call with Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on Apr. 20, 2026.

This comes as Beijing steps up efforts to help end the Iran war, Reuters reported.

Xi told the Saudi leader: "The Strait of Hormuz should remain open to normal passage, as this serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community."

State news agency Xinhua reported that Xi said China advocates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, and insists on resolving conflicts in the Middle East through political and diplomatic channels.

Strait of Hormuz

Iran effectively closed the strategic waterway in March in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks on its territory, The New York Times reported.

In the latest move, Iran said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz again less than a day after briefly reopening the crucial shipping lane, as the United States needed to lift its blockade of Iranian ports first.

The renewed closure came as vessels attempting to cross the strait reportedly came under fire after Iran resumed restrictions.

Before the closure was reimposed, at least eight oil and gas tankers had previously managed to pass through during a brief reopening window early on Apr. 18, according to maritime tracking data.

Ceasefire deadline approaches

The renewed standoff comes as a fragile ceasefire is due to expire on Apr. 22.

U.S. president Donald Trump said the U.S. blockade would remain in force until Tehran agreed to a broader deal, warning that Iran "can’t blackmail us", according to CNBC.

Trump also said discussions were continuing, although he indicated the ceasefire may not be extended if no agreement is reached.

Top photos via Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The People's Republic of China, MDDI