Xi Urges Hormuz Reopening in Rare Call With Saudi De Facto Ruler

China’s President Xi Jinping broke his silence on the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, using a rare call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to urge the restoration of transit through the vital waterway and push for an end to hostilities in the Middle East.

“China calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, supports all efforts to restore peace and insists disputes be resolved through political and diplomatic means,” Xi told the kingdom’s de facto ruler by phone on Monday, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry. “The Strait of Hormuz should remain open to normal transit, which is in the common interest of regional countries and the international community.”