Trump and Xi align on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman, is the world's most critical oil shipping chokepoint - roughly 20 percent of global petroleum liquids pass through it. Iran has periodically threatened to close the strait during periods of elevated regional tension, most recently in the context of its nuclear standoff with the United States and Western allies. China is among the largest buyers of Iranian crude and maintains close economic ties with Tehran, giving it a distinct set of interests in any conflict affecting Persian Gulf shipping lanes. The United States and China have broader strategic competition that complicates coordination on Iran, making joint diplomatic signaling on the strait notable even if its practical effect remains unclear.