U.S. Secretary of State Mark Robb said China does not support the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz or the imposition of a fee system.
This diplomatic alignment occurs as the U.S. and China seek to coordinate positions on maritime security and the containment of Iranian influence in the region. The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the world's most vital oil transit chokepoints, making any shift toward militarization a global economic risk.
Robb said these details following a discussion between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, as reported to NBC [1]. The Secretary of State said that Beijing's stance aligns with the United States regarding the necessity of keeping the waterway open and accessible for international trade.
"China does not support the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz nor does it support imposing a fee system," Robb said [2].
The diplomatic talks come amid significant disruption in the region. Since the start of the maritime blockade on Iran, 70 commercial ships have changed their routes [3]. Additionally, four ships have been disabled since the blockade began [3].
By rejecting a fee system, China signals a preference for the status quo of free navigation over a regulated or taxed transit model. This position helps prevent a scenario where regional powers could leverage the strait for financial or political gain through mandatory tolls.
The U.S. continues to monitor the waterway to ensure that the blockade does not further escalate into a broader conflict that could destabilize global energy markets.
“China does not support the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz nor does it support imposing a fee system.”
The agreement between the U.S. and China on the Strait of Hormuz suggests a rare point of convergence between the two superpowers. By opposing both militarization and a fee system, Beijing is prioritizing its own energy security and the uninterrupted flow of oil, which outweighs its strategic ties with Iran in this specific instance. This coordination may limit Iran's ability to use the strait as a geopolitical lever, as it reduces the likelihood of a divided international response to maritime restrictions.
