Trump and Xi Discuss Hormuz Strait as Chinese Vessel Transits Key Waterway
Edna Mohamed
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for energy flow, the White House said, as a Chinese tanker transited the waterway amid a US-Iran war. Iran has nearly closed the strait since late February, disrupting global energy supplies.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Thursday (May 14) to discuss the Strait of Hormuz and the US-Israel campaign against Iran, as negotiations to end the conflict and reopen the strategic waterway stalled.
According to a White House statement, the two leaders had a 'good' exchange and agreed that the Strait of Hormuz 'must remain open to support the free flow of energy.' Xi also expressed China's opposition to the militarization of the strait and any efforts to impose transit fees.
In a separate interview, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he believed Beijing would 'do what it can' to open the strait, a move he said strongly aligns with China's interests.
Since the US-Israel war against Iran began in late February, Tehran has nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies and driving up fuel prices as oil tankers are unable to pass. However, under special arrangements, Iran has allowed certain cargo vessels through.
Shipping data compiled by Reuters shows a Chinese oil tanker transited the strait on Wednesday (May 13). Iran's Fars news agency also reported on Thursday that an agreement allowed some Chinese vessels to pass. State broadcaster IRIB announced about 30 ships had transited since Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, the US said Thursday it had diverted 70 commercial vessels and disabled four others to enforce President Trump's blockade on ships traveling to or from Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on X: 'As of today, CENTCOM forces have diverted 70 commercial vessels and disabled 4 vessels to ensure compliance.'
Attacks on shipping have also escalated. A vessel anchored off the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was hijacked and taken toward Iran, while another was attacked and sank Thursday. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that 'unauthorized persons' seized control of a ship anchored off Fujairah port in the UAE and were heading toward Iran, without identifying the owner.
A wooden cargo vessel flying an Indian flag sank Wednesday while transiting Omani waters after a fire suspected to be from a drone or missile strike. India's Ministry of Transport confirmed all 14 crew members were rescued by Omani coast guards. No group has claimed responsibility, but the incidents come as a senior Iranian official reaffirmed Iran's sovereignty over the strait, and another asserted Tehran's right to seize tankers linked to the US.
Iranian judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir declared that the seizure of 'US oil tankers' violating Iranian regulations was carried out under domestic and international law. Al Jazeera correspondent Almigdad Alruhaid in Tehran explained that Iranian officials are establishing a new cooperation mechanism requiring vessels to submit details in advance through a so-called 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority.'
Ships must provide information on cargo, ownership, destination, and transit time. They then must await license approval from the authorities. If a vessel is deemed 'hostile' to Iran, passage will be denied. Nevertheless, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, and the US and Iran are no closer to a peace deal. Washington demands Tehran surrender enriched uranium, while Tehran demands the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
