Trump, Xi Agree on Keeping Strait of Hormuz Open Without Tolls or Military Control

BEIJING, May 15: US President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open during their final bilateral meeting in Beijing, as Washington signaled that China opposes restrictions or military control over the strategic waterway.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Beijing made clear during the summit that it wants free navigation through the strait without tolls or military interference.

“It’s really important for China to have the Strait of Hormuz open, no tolling, no military control, and that was clear from the meeting,” Greer told US media from Beijing, adding that Washington welcomed the position.

Greer also said the United States believes China will take a pragmatic approach toward Iran and work to prevent further instability in the region.

“They want to see peace in that area. President Trump wants to see peace in that area. So we have a lot of confidence that they will do what they can to limit any kind of material support for Iran,” he said.

Speaking after the meeting, Donald Trump said the discussions with Xi Jinping included Iran and regional security, stressing that both sides opposed Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons and supported keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

“We did discuss Iran. We feel very similar. We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. We want the straits open,” Trump said.

He added that both leaders expressed optimism about future US-China relations following the summit talks in Beijing.