US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the United States hoped to convince China to play a more active role in pushing Iran to change its behavior in the Gulf, as regional tensions continue to escalate.
In an interview broadcast on the channel Fox NewsMarco Rubio stated that Washington wanted to see Beijing use its diplomatic and economic influence with Tehran to help de-escalate the situation in the region.
The statements by the head of American diplomacy come amid strong tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic area through which a key portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass.
For several weeks, the United States has accused Iran of increasing its control over maritime traffic in the Gulf, while the regional war involving US forces, Israel and Iran continues to disrupt international energy markets.
China maintains close economic ties with Iran and remains one of the main buyers of Iranian oil despite Western sanctions. Beijing also seeks to preserve the stability of energy supplies from the Middle East, which is essential for its economy.
Washington's call for greater Chinese involvement also underlines the US administration's willingness to share the management of international crises with other major powers, even as relations between the United States and China remain strained on several strategic issues.
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