Trump-Xi Discuss Strait of Hormuz; Xi Opposes Tolls, White House Official Says

(CNA, Washington, 14th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) - US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing today, and an unnamed White House official pointed out that both leaders agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open.

Associated Press reported that the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the US, in collaboration with Israel, launched a military operation against Iran at the end of February.

A White House official, as reported by CNN, stated: "Both sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy."

The official added that President Xi "also clearly expressed China's opposition to the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz and any attempt to charge tolls, and mentioned an interest in purchasing more US oil to reduce China's future dependence on the strait."

CNN's report mentioned that the leaders of the US and China also discussed economic cooperation, but no details regarding an expected trade agreement have been announced yet.

The White House official also revealed that the issue of the potent opioid analgesic Fentanyl was also a topic of discussion, describing the first day of talks between the US and Chinese leaders as having "progressed smoothly." (Translator: Chen Yen-chun) 1150514