Xi Jinping personally called Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on April 20, pressing for an immediate ceasefire in Iran as U.S. military strikes continued against Tehran. The appeal came as Beijing moved to position itself diplomatically in the unfolding crisis.
According to a readout from the Chinese Communist Party’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi urged a “comprehensive ceasefire” and said China supports efforts to restore stability in the Middle East. He also told the Saudi leader that countries in the region should “keep their destiny in their own hands,” language often used by Beijing to signal opposition to U.S. influence.
The call marked a direct intervention by China’s top leader after weeks of relative silence during earlier phases of the conflict.
Saudi position aligns with continued US pressure on Iran
Saudi Arabia’s position has differed from Beijing’s appeal. Reporting from regional media outlets indicates that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has supported continued U.S. military pressure on Iran.
The Jerusalem Post reported in March that the crown prince encouraged Washington to sustain its strikes, describing the campaign as an opportunity to reshape the regional balance. The report cited views consistent with earlier statements attributed to Saudi leadership, including calls to counter Iran’s influence more forcefully.
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Al Arabiya reported that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates held discussions condemning Iran’s actions in the region, describing them as destabilizing. The two countries have expressed concern over Iran’s role in regional conflicts and its support for armed groups.
These positions suggest that Riyadh’s strategic calculations differ from Beijing’s call for de-escalation.
Iran’s role in China’s broader regional interests
Analysts say China’s concern over developments in Iran reflects broader strategic considerations. Iran has served as a key partner for Beijing in the Middle East, particularly in energy supply and regional positioning.
Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, wrote in an April analysis that China’s relationship with Iran extends beyond economic ties. According to Doran, Chinese entities have provided materials and components used in Iran’s missile and defense programs, including dual-use technologies.
He also noted that Iran-aligned groups, including the Houthi movement in Yemen, have targeted shipping routes in the Red Sea. Disruptions in these routes have affected global trade flows and increased costs for international shipping.
U.S. officials have previously raised concerns about China’s influence over Iran. In January 2024, then–National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and urged Beijing to use its leverage to restrain Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. According to statements from U.S. officials at the time, China did not take steps to limit those activities.
Strategic importance of key maritime routes
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical factor in the geopolitical dynamics surrounding Iran. Approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments pass through the strait, making it a focal point for energy security.
Analysts note that disruptions in the strait could have significant implications for countries in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, which rely heavily on energy imports routed through the region.
China has also expanded its presence near other key maritime chokepoints, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where it operates a military base in Djibouti. These locations are widely viewed as strategically important for monitoring and influencing global shipping routes.
Changes in Iran’s military capabilities could affect its ability to exert influence over the Strait of Hormuz. A reduction in that capability would alter the strategic balance in the region and could have wider implications for global energy markets and security arrangements.
Xi’s call to Saudi Arabia reflects Beijing’s awareness of these stakes. The outcome of the current conflict may shape the strategic environment in ways that extend beyond the Middle East.
By Jian Yi
