Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz for normal passage of ships, as Beijing described it as an “international waterway” amid assertions by Iran that it has an inalienable right over it.The Strait of Hormuz should remain open to normal navigation, which is in the common interest of regional countries and the international community, Xi told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) during their telephonic conversation, an official statement read.This is the first statement made by the Chinese leader on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, followed by the US blockade of Iranian ports in their current conflict.The closure of the Strait has resulted in acute energy shortages across the world, especially in Asia, and China, which is a major importer of Iranian oil, is increasingly concerned about the prolongation of the US-Israel-Iran war.“The Strait of Hormuz should remain open for normal passage, which aligns with the common interest of countries in the region and the international community,” Xi said. “China advocates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace and insists on resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels,” he said, according to the official statement.Separately, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed concern over the US navy firing on a cargo ship travelling from China heading to an Iranian port, defying the American naval blockade. The ship was subsequently seized by the US Navy.