US Urges China to Back Its ‘Most Crushing Economic Operation’ Against Iran

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called on China to join the United States in its latest economic pressure campaign against Iran. Bessent urged Beijing to participate in what he described as the "most crushing economic operation" aimed at isolating Tehran, particularly after negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the ongoing conflict failed. Speaking to CNBC, Bessent highlighted the strategic importance of the Persian Gulf for China, noting that "the Chinese get 50 percent of their energy from the Gulf." He suggested that cooperation with the U.S. initiative would serve China's interests, stating, "So, it would do them a big service to get with the programme." Bessent indicated that both allies and adversaries will be compelled to align with Washington's strategy. "This is going to be the greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world. And we are going to them and saying you are either with us or against us," he declared. He also mentioned that "many conversations are best to have in private," underscoring the sensitivity of the issue, especially with Chinese President Xi Jinping's expected visit to Washington in September. Official customs data released on Thursday revealed that Gulf countries, primarily Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, supplied 27.6 percent of China's total crude oil imports in July. Bessent is scheduled to provide more details about the economic sanctions at a press conference next Monday.

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Keep in mind, the Chinese get 50 per cent of their energy from the Gulf. So, it would do them a big service to get with the programme.