Chinese President Xi Jinping and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud emphasized the critical need to maintain safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone conversation on April 20, 2026. The leaders' discussion comes amid heightened regional tensions affecting global energy supplies and trade routes.
President Xi highlighted the 10th anniversary of the China-Saudi comprehensive strategic partnership, established in 2016, as a foundation for deepening cooperation. "China stands ready to strengthen practical collaboration across energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors," Xi stated, positioning the relationship as a model for China-Arab cooperation.
Both leaders expressed concern over current Middle East conflicts impacting Gulf security. Xi reiterated China's consistent support for immediate ceasefires and political solutions to disputes, while the Saudi crown prince affirmed Riyadh's commitment to dialogue-based conflict resolution.
The strategic waterway of Hormuz, through which 21 million barrels of oil pass daily, emerged as a key focus. Xi emphasized that ensuring unimpeded navigation serves both regional and global economic interests, aligning with Saudi Arabia's call for coordinated efforts to protect maritime security.
This high-level exchange underscores China's growing diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern affairs and Saudi Arabia's balancing of strategic partnerships amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. The dialogue concluded with mutual commitments to enhance communication mechanisms for regional stability.
