China calls for de-escalation in Middle East, New York stock exchange

Al Jazeera podcasts Beijing says it is in contact with all sides regarding the situation

in the state of Hormuz, once again calling for de-escalation in the Middle East.

Donald Trump previously suggested a much anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping could

be delayed.

Trump also said he believes China should help reopen the state of Hormuz since it receives

according to Donald Trump about 90 percent of its oil from the region.

Well, here are the numbers.

Beijing imports between 40 to 50 percent of its oil from the Middle East, including roughly

14 percent from Iran, and about 30 percent of its liquefied natural gas passes through

the state of Hormuz as well.

And the New York Stock Exchange has just opened kicking off another day of trading.

Let's turn to Kristen Salumi with live for us in New York.

Kristen, what are you seeing?

Well, I'm seeing a little bit of a bounce here on Wall Street, but don't get too

excited, don't be deceived, because we saw a lot of days start like this in the last

week.

Right now, the major stock indexes are up a little bit less than a percent.

But again, it's the trends you have to look at.

And last week, the overall trend was down.

And in fact, with the S&P 500, we've seen three weeks of steady declines now with all

of the uncertainty in the Middle East.

The Israeli military says it has begun ground operations against Hezbollah and southern

Lebanon.

There's already been fierce fighting in the town of Khyan.

Britain's prime minister, Kier Starmer, says he can not allow his country to be drawn

into the conflict.

U.S. President Trump has criticized Starmer for what he sees as insufficient support

for Washington in the war with Iran.

We will protect our people in the region.

Second, while taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will

not be drawn into the wider war.

And third, we will keep working towards a swift resolution that brings security and stability

back to the region and stops the Iranian threat to its neighbours.

I want to see it end to this war as quickly as possible.

I want to see it end to this war as quickly as possible.