US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have jointly called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open, sending a clear message to Iran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The two leaders made the statement during high-level talks in Beijing on Thursday, May 14, 2026. According to a White House readout, Trump and Xi “agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy.” The position was also reflected in Chinese statements that stressed the importance of stable global shipping routes.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints. It normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its prolonged closure due to the US-Iran conflict has caused major disruptions, pushing oil prices sharply higher and affecting energy costs worldwide.

Trump has been pressing China  Iran’s largest oil customer  to use its influence to help resolve the crisis. While Trump earlier downplayed the need for Beijing’s help, the joint agreement during the summit shows both powers want the strategic waterway reopened.

For many African countries that import fuel, the continued instability has raised fears of higher petrol prices and inflation. A quick reopening of the strait would bring much-needed relief to households and businesses across the continent.

The Trump-Xi meeting, which also covered trade and economic issues, is seen as an attempt by both leaders to manage global tensions responsibly despite their differences. Analysts note that while the joint call on Hormuz is significant, deeper disagreements on the broader Iran conflict remain.

The strong message from the world’s two largest economies puts additional pressure on all parties involved in the Middle East crisis to restore normal shipping through the vital route.

Further outcomes from the Beijing summit are expected in the coming days as talks continue.