The White House said on May 11, 2026, that U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to international shipping. The statement came amid rising tensions in the Gulf region over maritime security.
According to the White House, the two leaders discussed the strategic importance of the strait for global trade flows, particularly oil supplies. The accord underscores a shared U.S.-China commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and stability at the vital waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, lying between Oman and Iran, is a strategic chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes. Any disruption there could trigger energy price volatility and affect the global economy.
Details of the talks and any follow-up agreements have not been released. Still, the joint statement is seen as a positive sign of Washington–Beijing cooperation on an urgent regional security issue.
