China: Strait of Hormuz must remain open for navigation

Beijing (ANTARA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for navigation at all times. “The Strait of Hormuz must remain open for normal navigation, as it serves the common interests of countries in the region and the international community,” according to a quoted statement by Xi reported by CCTV during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. China supports Middle Eastern countries in building a shared home based on the principles of good neighbourliness, development, security, and cooperation, as well as in taking control of their own future and destiny, thereby promoting enduring peace and stability in the region, the Chinese leader added. Xi also reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in the Middle East. On 13 April, the US Navy began blockading all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for about 20 percent of the world’s supply of oil, petroleum products, and LNG. Washington has stated that non-Iranian vessels are free to cross the Strait of Hormuz as long as they do not pay duties to Tehran. Iranian authorities have not yet announced the imposition of such duties, but have discussed plans for them.