Chinese President Xi Jinping urges Strait of Hormuz to be opened

JAKARTA - Chinese President Xi Jinping said the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for navigation at all times.

"The Strait of Hormuz must remain open for normal navigation, as it serves the common interests of countries in the region and the international community," according to a quote from Xi's statement reported by CCTV in a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

China supports the Middle Eastern countries in building a common home based on the principles of good neighborliness, development, security, and cooperation, and in controlling their own future and destiny, thus promoting lasting peace and stability in the region, the Chinese leader added.

Xi also reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in the Middle East.

On April 13, the US Navy began blocking all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for about 20 percent of the world's oil, petroleum products, and LNG supplies.

Washington insists non-Iranian vessels are free to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as long as they do not pay duties to Tehran.

Iranian authorities have not announced the imposition of the duty, but have discussed the plan.