China urges Hormuz ceasefire; shipping lanes must reopen

China urged a ceasefire in the Middle East and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as disruption rattles markets, following Iran’s blockade of the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, and its closure has significantly impacted global energy flows. US President Trump discussed the matter with Xi Jinping, who expressed a willingness to assist in reopening the strait.