Xi: Maintain normal traffic via Hormuz

President Xi Jinping called on Monday for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities in the Middle East and the Gulf region, highlighting that normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained.

Xi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud upon the latter's request. Both leaders exchanged views on bilateral ties and the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

On the Middle East situation, Xi emphasized that China advocates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and insists on resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.

He said that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open for normal passage, which is in the common interest of countries in the region as well as the international community.

China supports countries in the region in building a common homeland of good-neighborliness, development, security and cooperation, taking control of their own future and destiny, and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region, Xi said.

The Saudi crown prince said the current conflicts in the Middle East have undermined the security of countries in the Gulf region and have had a severe impact on the global energy supply and the world economy.

He said that Saudi Arabia is committed to resolving conflicts and disputes through dialogue, and hopes to prevent the situation from escalating.

Calling China a responsible major country, he said that it consistently upholds a fair stance and supports good-neighborliness, dialogue and cooperation among countries in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to maintain ceasefire, prevent the resurgence of hostilities, ensure the safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and jointly seek ways to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region, he said.

The phone conversation came as the Middle East situation remains tense since the United States and Israel jointly launched military strikes on Iran on Feb 28, triggering a sharp escalation in conflicts across the Middle East and hitting the world economy and energy security.

A two-week ceasefire was achieved between the warring parties on April 8, followed by lengthy talks between the Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 11 and 12.

After the peace negotiations in Islamabad collapsed, the US imposed its own blockade on the waterway.

Since the conflict in the Middle East began, China has been working to help bring about a ceasefire and put an end to the crisis through diplomatic efforts.

While meeting in Beijing with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on April 14, Xi put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, calling for remaining committed to the principles of "peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, international rule of law, and a balanced approach to development and security".

He reiterated China's willingness to play a constructive role in promoting peace and facilitating talks.

Regarding bilateral ties, Xi told the Saudi crown prince that China highly values the development of its relationship with Saudi Arabia, and has consistently adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Xi expressed China's willingness to take this opportunity to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, expand exchanges at all levels, and continuously broaden and deepen Sino-Saudi relations, in order to set an example for the development of relations between China and Arab countries.

The crown prince said that the Saudi-China relationship is strategic in nature, and developing relations with China is of the utmost importance to Saudi Arabia.