Trump, Xi agree Strait of Hormuz ‘must remain open’

14/05/2026

BEIJING, May 14: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed during talks in Beijing on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz “must remain open” to ensure the free flow of global energy supplies, according to the White House.

A White House readout said both leaders stressed the importance of keeping the strategic waterway open amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the US and Israel conflict with Iran. Xi also voiced opposition to imposing tolls on vessels transiting the strait, which has been effectively disrupted since the conflict began.

The two leaders additionally discussed efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States and expanding Chinese purchases of US agricultural products. According to a White House official, Xi also expressed interest in increasing imports of US oil to reduce China’s future dependence on Gulf energy supplies.