WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 14, 2026 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed Thursday that the United States and China share a common position against the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz and any proposed tolling system in the vital Persian Gulf waterway.
In a clip from an NBC News interview, Rubio stated: “The Chinese side said they are not in favor of militarizing the Straits of Hormuz and they’re not in favor of a tolling system, and that’s our position… It’s good that we have alliance, or at least agreement, on that point.”
The comments come amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict that has severely disrupted shipping through the strait since early March 2026. Iran has imposed restrictions, including blockades and reported toll demands, drastically reducing tanker traffic and spiking global oil prices. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply and is critical for energy security, particularly for major importers like China.
President Donald Trump’s recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing focused in part on pressing for the full reopening of the strait. Rubio’s remarks highlight a rare point of diplomatic alignment between Washington and Beijing on the crisis, underscoring efforts to protect international navigation and stabilize energy markets.
The White House Rapid Response account (@RapidResponse47) shared the video clip shortly after Rubio’s interview aired, framing the development as a positive step in the Trump administration’s America First foreign policy.
Analysts note that China’s opposition to militarization and tolls aligns with its own heavy reliance on oil imports through the region, potentially opening the door for further coordination to resolve the standoff with Iran.
The full video of Rubio’s interview is available via the White House Rapid Response post on X. Life News Agency will continue monitoring developments in the Persian Gulf crisis.
About The Author
