What specific diplomatic action did U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urge China to take regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz?

Bessent urged China to 'step up with some diplomacy and get the Iranians to open the strait' — specifically, to use its influence, given that it buys 90% of Iran's energy, to persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping; he also called on China (and Russia) to stop blocking UN initiatives, such as a resolution encouraging steps to protect commercial shipping in the strait.

What role does Bessent assign to China in the U.S. strategy toward Iran, and how does he link it to the upcoming Trump-Xi summit?

Bessent assigns China a central diplomatic role — framing it as a key leverage point due to its purchase of 90% of Iran's energy, which he claims funds 'the largest state sponsor of terrorism'; he stated that the Iran situation, including China's diplomatic involvement, will be discussed during the May 14–15 Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, while emphasizing that both leaders aim to preserve the stability of the U.S.-China relationship established by their October 2024 trade truce in Busan.

Bessent Urges China to Step Up Diplomacy on Iran Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

May 4, 2026

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, predicting lower oil prices soon. He emphasized maintaining U.S.-China trade stability during the upcoming Trump-Xi summit.

reuters

2026-05-04

Bessent Urges China to Step Up Diplomacy on Iran Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

Bessent Urges China to Step Up Diplomacy on Iran Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

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