China's leader Xi Jinping has called for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen, urging that the vital waterway remain open to normal navigation in the interest of regional countries and the wider international community. He made the remarks during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his first public comments since Iran effectively closed the route following attacks by the United States and Israel.

Xi's intervention highlights Beijing's delicate balancing act in the Middle East. While Iran is one of China's closest strategic partners in the region, Beijing also maintains significant economic ties with Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have faced Iranian missile and drone attacks. Analysts say the message was aimed both at reassuring Gulf partners and subtly signaling to hardliners in Tehran against further escalation.

China has previously positioned itself as a mediator between Saudi Arabia and Iran, helping restore diplomatic relations between the two sides nearly three years ago. However, it remains uncertain how deeply Beijing is willing to engage in the current crisis. With as much as 40 percent of its oil imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, China has strong economic incentives to push for de-escalation and the reopening of the critical shipping lane.