Adedokun Waliyu 
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held what the White House described as a “good” meeting in Beijing, during which both leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support global energy supplies.
The strategic waterway has faced major disruptions since the outbreak of war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28. Iran has largely blocked shipping through the strait, a route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas normally passes.
According to the White House, both leaders agreed that the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz was important.
China has been heavily affected by the disruption because more than half of its crude oil imports transported by sea come from the Middle East and mainly pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House also stated that Xi expressed interest in buying more American oil to reduce China’s future dependence on the route.
However, China’s official summary of the meeting did not mention any plan to purchase additional American oil.
The White House statement also made no reference to discussions about Taiwan, the self-governed island claimed by China and one of the most sensitive issues between Beijing and Washington.
Earlier, Xi reportedly warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to “conflict” between China and the United States.
