U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to endorse a resolution aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a recent House Appropriations Committee hearing. He emphasized that Beijing should recognize its vested interest in the matter.
Rubio’s comments came on June 2, following a session with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He stated, “We would like to see their support at the United Nations,” referring to a resolution backed by Washington and Bahrain that seeks to protect international waterways and commercial shipping routes.
He expressed concern over China’s potential veto, saying, “Unfortunately, the Chinese continue to threaten vetoes. So if they are truly against closing the strait, they should support this, at least abstain, and not use their veto.”
Rubio also noted that Russia’s stance is distinctly different, as they are firmly opposed to the resolution for various reasons. A similar proposal from Bahrain in April faced vetoes from both China and Russia.
According to a June 1 report from the Security Council, it remains unclear when this proposal will be brought to a vote. During the June 2 hearing, Rubio indicated that a key step in negotiations would involve Iran lifting its blockade of the strait in exchange for the U.S. easing maritime restrictions on Iranian ports and waters.
He pointed out that China’s export-driven economy means it should have a personal interest in ensuring Iran ceases its aggressive actions, both in the short and long term.
Earlier, former President Donald Trump mentioned to ABC News that he anticipates a deal with Iran that would extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz within the week. In a phone call on June 1, Trump suggested that a peace agreement could be “even better than a military victory.”
Negotiations mediated by Pakistan have been ongoing in recent weeks. A limited ceasefire has been in effect since April, although sporadic exchanges of fire continue between the parties involved.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to support a UN resolution for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the need for international cooperation. The proposal, backed by Bahrain, faces potential vetoes from both China and Russia, complicating efforts to stabilize maritime routes in the region.