In a high-stakes phone conversation on Monday, April 20, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) that Beijing is ready to deepen "strategic mutual trust" and expand practical cooperation.
President Xi used the call to address the escalating conflict involving Iran, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz—a critical artery for global oil—must remain open for "normal passage."
.png)
Key Pillars of the Xi-MBS Call
The Hormuz Mandate: Following recent threats and a reported temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian regime, Xi stressed that maintaining maritime traffic is in the "common interest of the international community."
Ceasefire Advocacy: Xi reiterated China’s demand for an "immediate and comprehensive ceasefire" in the ongoing regional war, insisting that all disputes be resolved through political and diplomatic channels rather than military force.
10-Year Milestone: Xi noted that 2026 marks a decade of their strategic partnership, signaling that China views Saudi Arabia as its most "reliable and dependable" partner in the Arab world.
Energy & Security: The leaders discussed the global energy crisis triggered by the Iran conflict, with Xi pledging to support Saudi Arabia in mastering its "own future and destiny" amidst the crumbling global order.
The Global Context (April 2026)
The Xi-MBS dialogue follows a flurry of diplomatic activity involving the world's superpowers:
Trump’s Influence: The call comes just days after President Trump claimed on Truth Social that Xi Jinping was "very happy" the Strait of Hormuz remained open following U.S. naval interventions.
China-Russia Alignment: Last week, Xi met with Russian officials to call for an "ironclad alliance" to counter global turbulence, suggesting that China is building a multi-polar coalition with Saudi Arabia and Russia.
The "Isaac Accords": The call also serves as a strategic counter-balance to the newly signed Isaac Accords between Israel and Argentina, as Beijing seeks to maintain its influence as a "key diplomatic actor" in the Middle East.
China-Saudi Cooperation Tracker
| Area | 2026 Strategic Goal |
| Trade Volume | Exceeding $107 Billion annually. |
| Energy | Joint ventures in Green Hydrogen and solar storage. |
| Diplomacy | Resolving the Iran war via "Islamabad-style" negotiations. |
| Infrastructure | Aligning China's Belt and Road with Saudi Vision 2030. |
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png&description=Xi Jinping Tells MBS: China Ready to Deepen Strategic Cooperation and Protect Hormuz | DISCUSS){kind=link}
0 Comments