Trump says Xi backs diplomatic push to reopen Strait of Hormuz
(Bloomberg) — President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping supports diplomatic efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz as ongoing disruption to Middle East shipping continues to pressure global energy markets.
Speaking during a visit to Beijing, Trump said Xi expressed interest in helping broker a resolution to the conflict involving Iran, though China has not publicly confirmed any direct mediation role.
“He would like to see a deal made,” Trump said in comments reported by Fox News. “If I can be of any help at all, I would like to be of help.”
See also: China eyes more U.S. oil amid Hormuz disruption, White House says
According to a White House official, Trump and Xi agreed the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to support global energy flows.
The comments came as maritime security concerns intensified following reports that a commercial vessel was seized by unauthorized personnel near the United Arab Emirates. UK Maritime Trade Operations said the vessel was intercepted roughly 38 nautical miles off the UAE coast while reportedly heading toward Iran.
See also: Iraqi supertanker turns back near U.S. blockade in Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles about one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, has faced severe disruption since the conflict escalated earlier this year. Shipping flows through the chokepoint remain limited, though vessel traffic has shown signs of gradually increasing in recent days.
Iranian state media reported that additional Chinese-linked vessels are expected to transit the strait under what it described as “Iranian management protocols.”
Oil prices were little changed Thursday, with Brent crude trading near $105/bbl after rising sharply since the conflict began. The International Monetary Fund has warned the prolonged disruption could weigh on global economic growth.
See also: EIA launches new oil, LNG chokepoint datasets amid Hormuz crisis
Despite an April ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, negotiations over reopening Hormuz remain stalled. Iran has continued demanding an end to U.S. naval restrictions and broader sanctions relief before fully restoring shipping access.
