“Chinese Ships Stuck in the Gulf and Attacked… If Energy Crisis Persists, Chinese Exports Will Plummet,” reported the media.
Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, emphasized China’s direct interest in resolving the chaos in the Gulf region and the issue of passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He urged China to play a more active role in persuading Iran.
In an interview with Fox News on the 13th (local time), Rubio stated, “The United States hopes to see China take a more proactive role in influencing Iran’s behavioral changes.” He highlighted that Chinese vessels are stuck in the Gulf and mentioned that one was attacked by Iran last weekend. Although he was not certain that the attacks were intentional by Iran, he noted the reality of the situation, with Chinese ships stuck there because of it.
Since late February, after a preemptive strike by the U.S. and Israel led to war with Iran, Iran has been controlling the Strait of Hormuz, restricting passage for tankers and other ships from various countries. Reports suggest that Iran is willing to use force against ships not following its transit procedures.
Rubio described Iran’s actions as a “huge destabilizing factor” that could severely impact Asia, which relies heavily on energy imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that reopening the strait is in China’s interest, given its export-driven economy. If other countries struggle with energy crises and logistical issues, they will likely reduce their purchases of Chinese goods, leading to a dramatic drop in Chinese exports. Hence, resolving this issue aligns with China’s interests.
Fox News also mentioned that Rubio spoke about the possibility of China supporting a United Nations resolution condemning Iran. This move is interpreted as an effort by the United States to gain Chinese cooperation on the Iranian conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz amidst President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.