Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who is visiting China, is seeking Chinese assistance to secure freedom of navigation for Saudi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, after Saudi Arabia found itself caught between the Iranian-designated shipping corridor and the one announced by the United States.

The Saudi foreign minister indicated that if Saudi vessels use the safe corridor announced by Iran, this creates problems with the United States, while using the safe corridor announced by the United States creates problems with Iran.

The Saudi minister is seeking China’s support in persuading Iran to allow Saudi vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz freely, without requiring prior approval from the Iranian authorities.