US Leadership Split on China Role in Hormuz Crisis

Speaking in an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News aboard Air Force One ahead of their arrival in China, Rubio said the US has been pressing Beijing to use its influence, particularly at the United Nations, to help de-escalate tensions involving Iran and maritime movement through the strategic waterway.

"We made the argument to the Chinese, and I hope it's compelling and they have a chance to do something about it at the United Nations later this week, and there's a resolution just condemning Iran about their doing with the straits," Rubio said.

The State Secretary claimed that the crisis pertaining to the maritime movement in the region had already been affecting Chinese interests and global trade, as he noted the global economic risks tied to the crisis, including energy, supply chain disruptions and shipping insecurity.

Rubio outlined three factors regarding China's position on the issue, noting shipping disruptions, regional stability concerns, and economic risks tied to global trade flows.

"There are three things. The Chinese have ships stuck in the Persian Gulf. Because setting up a system that says you're going to let certain ships through but others not is easier said than done," Rubio said.

"The second is I don't think that China is a huge source of instability, and it threatens to destabilise Asia more than any other part of the world because it's heavily reliant on the strait for energy. The third reason is that China's economy is export-driven, meaning their economy is fuelled not by what they consume domestically but also by what they make and sells to other countries. A lot of countries in the world economies are melting down because of this crisis in the straits; they are going to be buying less Chinese products, and Chinese exports will drop precipitously," the State Secretary added.

"It's in my interest to resolve this. We hope to convince him to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what you're doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf," he further said.

Rubio's remarks underline Washington's push for broader international pressure on Iran, especially through China, given Beijing's dependence on Middle Eastern energy routes and maritime stability as well as Beijing's close ties with Tehran.

However, President Trump struck a contrasting tone, suggesting that the US does not require external assistance to manage the situation and would address it through its own strategy.

"I don't think we need any help with Iran. We'll win it one way or another. We'll win it peacefully or otherwise," Trump told reporters on Tuesday on the South Lawn of the White House ahead of his departure to China.

When asked what his message to Chinese President Xi Jinping is on Iran, Trump said, "I think he's been relatively good, to be honest with you. You look at the blockade; no problem. They get a lot of their oil from that area. We've had no problem. And he's been a friend of mine."

Minutes later, Trump downplayed the significance of discussing Iran with China, saying trade ties would dominate his upcoming talks with the Chinese counterpart and insisting the US situation was "very much under control".

"We have a lot of things to discuss; I wouldn't say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control. We're either going to make a deal, or they're going to be decimated," he said.

As Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet for their high-stakes discussions, attention will remain focused on whether differences within the US administration translate into any coordinated diplomatic approach involving China on the Iran and Gulf situations or whether Washington continues to pursue a more unilateral strategy in managing regional tensions.

- ANI