Chinese President Xi Jinping tells Russian President Vladimir Putin that hostilities in West Asia must end immediately, as the region reaches a “critical juncture.” Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, Xi warns that renewed fighting in the Gulf and broader West Asia should be avoided and says negotiations should continue. He links an early end to the conflict with reducing disruptions to energy supplies, industrial and supply chains, and international trade. The Xi-Putin meeting takes place against escalating regional tensions and comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s May 14–15 visit to China, during which Trump and Xi discussed issues including the Iran-Israel conflict and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as bilateral trade frictions. The talks draw attention because China and Russia are key strategic partners of Iran and maintain close economic and military ties with Tehran, while tensions also intersect with maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Overall, the leaders’ discussion centers on de-escalation and continued negotiation amid wider geopolitical strain.