US President Donald Trump has revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping offered China's assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz and promised not to provide military equipment to Iran amid its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Trump made these remarks during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity following a two-day summit with Xi in Beijing.
Xi's Pledge on Military Equipment
“He said he’s not going to give military equipment… he said that strongly,” Trump stated, referring to Xi. The US president added that the Chinese leader had expressed a strong interest in seeing the strait reopened and had offered Chinese help to achieve that goal.
Offer to Mediate
“He’d like to see the Hormuz Strait open, and said, ‘If I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help,’” Trump said. He also noted that Xi wanted to see a deal reached with Iran. “President Xi would like to see a deal made,” Trump said. “He did offer, he said, ‘If I can be of any help at all, I would like to be of help.’”
US Treasury Secretary's Comments
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent separately told CNBC that China would use its influence with Iran to help reopen the strait. “It’s very much in their interest to get the strait reopened,” Bessent said, adding that China has a greater stake in reopening Hormuz than the United States due to its dependence on Middle Eastern oil supplies.
White House Confirmation
A White House official confirmed that Trump and Xi agreed during their talks that the strait must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy. According to the official, Xi also expressed China’s opposition to the militarisation of the waterway and to any attempt to impose tolls on its use.
Chinese State Media Coverage
Chinese state media did not specifically mention the Strait of Hormuz as a topic of discussion between the two leaders. State news agency Xinhua said only that Trump and Xi exchanged views on major international and regional issues, including the Middle East situation.
Background on the Strait Blockade
Iran has blockaded the strait since early March following US and Israeli airstrikes, disrupting a key global energy route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil previously transited. The reopening of the strait is critical for global energy markets and international trade.
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