US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy resources and that Iran should never obtain nuclear weapons, based on a statement released by the White House following the leaders’ meeting in Beijing.
The White House described the talks between Trump and Xi as “good,” following a high-level meeting in the Chinese capital focused on economic cooperation, trade and regional security issues.
Based on the statement, the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation between the United States and China, including expanding access for American businesses to the Chinese market and increasing Chinese investment in US industries.
The White House also said Trump and Xi underscored the importance of halting the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States and increasing China’s purchases of American agricultural products.
“The parties agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy resources,” the White House said.
The statement further reads that Xi also clearly expressed China’s opposition to the militarization of the strategically vital waterway and to any attempts to impose fees for its use.
“Both countries agreed that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons,” the statement added.
The Strait of Hormuz — located between Iran and Oman — is one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passes. Concerns over its security have intensified amid heightened tensions involving Iran and the United States.
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