Xi Calls For Hormuz to Reopen as China Balances Its Gulf Interests
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the importance of keeping the waterway open for regional and international interests.
- Xi's statement reflects China's complex position, balancing its strategic partnership with Iran and economic ties with Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, which have been targeted by Iranian attacks.
- Experts suggest Xi's message signals to Iran's hardliners that further escalation in the region will not be tolerated, while also supporting regional stability and self-determination.
- China seeks de-escalation and wants both the U.S. to lift its blockade and Iran to allow safe navigation, highlighting Beijing's interest in preventing disruptions to its oil imports, which heavily rely on the Strait of Hormuz.
- Although China has mediated between Saudi Arabia and Iran before, it remains uncertain if Xi is willing to deepen involvement in the current crisis, given the economic risks posed by a prolonged closure of the strategic waterway.
