Trump and Xi Discuss Hormuz Shipping as Maritime Incidents Impact Gulf Routes

U.S. President Donald Trump held discussions regarding the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran with Chinese President Xi Jinping during bilateral meetings in Beijing, according to a report published via Reuters and EnergyNow. Following the meeting, a White House official stated that both leaders agreed the Strait of Hormuz should remain open and that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC in Beijing that China would likely do what it can to help keep the waterway open, noting that maritime stability is aligned with Beijing's interests as a major importer.

The diplomatic exchanges coincided with reports of new maritime security incidents affecting Gulf shipping routes. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that unauthorised personnel boarded a commercial vessel anchored off the coast of the UAE port of Fujairah and steered it toward Iranian waters. Fujairah serves as a critical strategic hub as the UAE's primary oil export outlet situated outside the Strait of Hormuz, enabling crude shipments to bypass the narrow waterway.

Separately, Indian authorities confirmed that an Indian-flagged vessel came under attack off the coast of Oman along regional trade lanes, adding that all crew members on board were safe. Iran has largely restricted passage through the strait following weeks of military escalation, though Iranian media, including the Fars news agency, reported selective agreements permitting certain vessels, including specific Chinese ships, to transit.

Prior to the summit, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News that Washington aimed to encourage Beijing to take an active role in resolving maritime tensions in the Persian Gulf. Commercial shipping through the corridor remains closely watched by global energy and logistics operators as diplomatic talks continue.