Chinese President Emphasizes Open Hormuz Strait, Supports Ceasefire in Gaza Amid Regional Tensions

China’s President Xi Jinping has reiterated Beijing’s support for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to state media reports from Riyadh. The discussion, held on the sidelines of a regional summit, focused on de-escalation efforts and the importance of maintaining open maritime routes through critical waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. Xi emphasized that China backs international efforts to halt hostilities in Gaza and urged all parties to pursue dialogue to prevent further civilian suffering. He similarly stressed that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be preserved, calling it vital for global energy security and trade stability. The Chinese leader’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where Iran-backed groups have previously threatened shipping in the Gulf, raising concerns about disruptions to oil flows. Analysts note that China’s growing diplomatic engagement in the region reflects its strategic interest in securing energy supplies and positioning itself as a mediator in regional conflicts. Even as China has not deployed military forces to the area, it has increased its diplomatic outreach, offering to facilitate talks between rival factions. Officials said Beijing views its role as a constructive contributor to peace, particularly through its longstanding relationships with both Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil passes, remains a focal point of geopolitical concern. Any disruption could trigger global market volatility, making China’s public advocacy for openness significant despite its limited direct military presence in the region. Xi’s comments align with Beijing’s broader foreign policy of promoting non-interference while advocating for peaceful conflict resolution through multilateral channels. His engagement with Gulf leaders underscores China’s effort to expand its influence beyond economic ties into active diplomatic diplomacy.