Cargo Ship from China to Iran Detained; Xi Jinping and Saudi Crown Prince Discuss Navigation
Following the US detention of a China-bound cargo ship heading to Iran, Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the situation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a ceasefire and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 20:14
- 🔍 Collected: April 20, 2026 at 20:32 (17 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 20:37 (5 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA, Taipei, April 20) After a cargo ship sailing from China to Iran was detained by the US military, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, today. Xi Jinping stated that China advocates for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and that the Strait of Hormuz should maintain normal passage; Mohammed bin Salman said that Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to ensure safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Xi Jinping and Mohammed bin Salman mentioned the above content during their call this afternoon.
According to the report, Xi Jinping stated regarding the current situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf that China advocates for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and insists on resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels. Furthermore, the Strait of Hormuz should maintain normal passage, which aligns with the common interests of Middle Eastern countries and the international community.
Xi Jinping mentioned that China supports Middle Eastern countries in building a common home of "good neighborliness, development, security, and cooperation," "holding their destiny in their own hands," and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.
According to the report, Mohammed bin Salman stated that the current Middle East conflict is damaging the security of Gulf countries and seriously affecting global energy supply and economic operations. Saudi Arabia is committed to resolving differences through dialogue and hopes to avoid escalation.
Mohammed bin Salman said that Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China, maintain the ceasefire, prevent the rekindling of conflict, ensure safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and jointly seek ways to achieve long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.
According to comprehensive foreign reports, the Iranian-registered cargo ship Touska departed from China and was intercepted by US Navy vessels on the 19th in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, after allegedly failing to heed the US military's warning to stop and attempting to bypass the blockade. The US military then detained the cargo ship.
US President Donald Trump subsequently posted that the US Marines have taken over the cargo ship and are "checking what items are on board."
According to Al Jazeera reports, the cargo ship was sailing from China to Iran, which has led to much speculation, making the contents of the ship a focal point of attention.
When asked by foreign media about this matter today, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China expresses concern over the US's forced interception of the vessel. However, when asked by the media about the cargo on board the ship, Guo Jiakun did not provide an answer. (Editor: Qiu Guoqiang/Xie Yixuan) 1150420
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(CNA, Taipei, April 20) After a cargo ship sailing from China to Iran was detained by the US military, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, today. Xi Jinping stated that China advocates for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and that the Strait of Hormuz should maintain normal passage; Mohammed bin Salman said that Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to ensure safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Xi Jinping and Mohammed bin Salman mentioned the above content during their call this afternoon.
According to the report, Xi Jinping stated regarding the current situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf that China advocates for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and insists on resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels. Furthermore, the Strait of Hormuz should maintain normal passage, which aligns with the common interests of Middle Eastern countries and the international community.
Xi Jinping mentioned that China supports Middle Eastern countries in building a common home of "good neighborliness, development, security, and cooperation," "holding their destiny in their own hands," and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.
According to the report, Mohammed bin Salman stated that the current Middle East conflict is damaging the security of Gulf countries and seriously affecting global energy supply and economic operations. Saudi Arabia is committed to resolving differences through dialogue and hopes to avoid escalation.
Mohammed bin Salman said that Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China, maintain the ceasefire, prevent the rekindling of conflict, ensure safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and jointly seek ways to achieve long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.
According to comprehensive foreign reports, the Iranian-registered cargo ship Touska departed from China and was intercepted by US Navy vessels on the 19th in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, after allegedly failing to heed the US military's warning to stop and attempting to bypass the blockade. The US military then detained the cargo ship.
US President Donald Trump subsequently posted that the US Marines have taken over the cargo ship and are "checking what items are on board."
According to Al Jazeera reports, the cargo ship was sailing from China to Iran, which has led to much speculation, making the contents of the ship a focal point of attention.
When asked by foreign media about this matter today, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China expresses concern over the US's forced interception of the vessel. However, when asked by the media about the cargo on board the ship, Guo Jiakun did not provide an answer. (Editor: Qiu Guoqiang/Xie Yixuan) 1150420
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Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.