Xi Jinping calls for Strait of Hormuz to be opened
Xi Jinping has had it up to here with the Strait of Hormuz omnishambles.
During a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on April 20, Xi called for “an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” and unblocking of the crucial waterway:
- “The Strait of Hormuz should maintain normal passage, as this serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community.”
Some context: The Iran war and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have driven up energy prices globally, squeezed China’s corporate profits, and reduced demand for Chinese goods amid a darkening global economic outlook.
More context: Top diplomat Wang Yi said the same thing during a call to his Iranian counterpart last week.
- That the big man himself is now stepping in to get his hands dirty shows this is now a major foreign-policy priority for China.
Get smart: This is about as close to "lost his cool" as Xi lets on in public – and a clear signal that China’s patience is wearing thin.
- Beijing’s core economic interests trump any anti-American ideological affinity it may share with Tehran.
The bottom line: Don’t expect China to help Iran bolster its negotiating position vis-à-vis the US.
- Xi wants the war over and business as usual to resume ASAP.