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Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this week the Trump administration wants Chinese President Xi Jinping to take a more “active role” in ending the Iran standoff and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio made the claim in a media appearance while President Donald Trump was meeting Xi in Beijing, and the U.S. also took the case to the United Nations as part of a push to protect freedom of navigation. This is a clear test: can Washington turn Beijing’s economic interests into real pressure on Tehran?
Why Beijing should care about the Strait of Hormuz
Let’s be blunt: China depends on trade and energy, and the Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for both. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed out that Chinese shipments have been affected and that disruptions in the strait destabilize markets across Asia. If Chinese factories can’t get parts or fuel, domestic growth slows — and that’s not something the leadership in Beijing can ignore forever.
Can Xi actually pressure Iran?
In theory, yes. Beijing buys energy from Iran, finances projects there, and could threaten the kinds of economic measures Iran cares about. In practice, public readouts from the Trump–Xi summit showed different spins: the U.S. readout emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz “must remain open,” while Chinese summaries downplayed that wording. That tells you Beijing may help quietly — but won’t rush to back Washington on the world stage where it risks embarrassing Tehran.
What the U.S. should demand — and what it can offer
If the administration is serious, it should ask for concrete steps: diplomatic démarches, pressure in Tehran, clear voting at the U.N., and help ensuring safe commercial passages. At the same time, Washington should be realistic about barter: Beijing will want something in return, whether trade stability, tech access, or fewer sanctions. Don’t expect a miracle — expect a negotiated, transactional response instead.
Bottom line
Pushing China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz is smart politics; it forces a capable regional actor to decide where its interests lie. But the U.S. should not count on China to save the day alone. Keep building coalitions, keep naval options visible, and treat any Chinese cooperation as a step — not the finish line. If the White House can turn words from Beijing into action, great. If not, America must lead without apology.
