China’s Xi Calls for Hormuz Ceasefire as US-Iran Talks Resume

(MENAFN) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for an immediate end to hostilities and unimpeded maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz, stepping up Beijing's diplomatic engagement amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

Xi delivered the remarks during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his first contact with a Middle Eastern leader since the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28.

He argued that free navigation through the strait "serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community," according to a state-run news agency.

The Chinese leader outlined a broader regional vision, stating that Beijing supports regional nations in building a common home marked by "good neighborliness, development, security and cooperation, mastering their own future and destiny, and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region."

On the conflict itself, Xi made Beijing's position explicit, saying his government advocates an "immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and remains committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means."

Xi also signaled a desire to strengthen ties with Riyadh, expressing China's willingness to "deepen strategic mutual trust" with Saudi Arabia and expand practical cooperation between the two nations.

The call came as diplomatic activity surrounding the conflict intensified. President Trump on Sunday announced that US envoys would travel to Islamabad for a fresh round of negotiations with Iranian representatives. Tehran has yet to formally confirm its participation, continuing to insist on the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports as a precondition.

Pakistan previously hosted the most senior-level direct engagement between Washington and Tehran on April 11–12—the first of its kind since the two countries severed diplomatic relations in 1979—though those negotiations ended without a breakthrough. The talks, referred to as the Islamabad talks, followed Pakistan's role as mediator since the war's outbreak and resulted in a two-week ceasefire that took effect on April 8.

Pakistani sources had earlier indicated that Iranian officials were expected to arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei pushed back against any sense of external pressure, stating that Tehran "does not accept any deadlines or ultimatums in pursuing its national interests."

Despite the hardline posture from its foreign ministry, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered a notably more conciliatory tone Monday, urging the pursuit of "every rational and diplomatic path" to reduce tensions and acknowledging that war is no one's interest.

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