Beijing: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held high-level discussions amid escalating tensions surrounding the Iran conflict and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.
According to reports emerging after the meeting, both leaders agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to ensure uninterrupted global energy supplies. The issue has gained urgency due to the ongoing instability in the Middle East and fears of disruption in oil transportation.
During the talks, Trump reportedly said Xi had assured him that China would not provide military support to Iran and was willing to help maintain stability in the region. Trump also claimed that Beijing showed interest in ensuring smooth passage through the Strait, which carries a significant portion of the world’s oil trade.
The White House said both countries agreed that Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz must remain accessible for international shipping.
Apart from the Iran issue, the leaders also reportedly discussed trade ties, regional security and tensions over Taiwan. Chinese President Xi warned that continued friction over Taiwan could lead to deeper confrontation between the two nations.
The meeting comes at a time when global markets remain sensitive to developments in the Gulf region, with any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz likely to impact crude oil prices and international trade.