US threatens action on Chinese vessels carrying Iran oil

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States will prevent China from accessing Iranian oil, warning that Chinese tankers carrying such shipments could be blocked in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

“They’re not going to be able to get their oil. They can get oil. Not Iranian oil,” Bessent told reporters in Washington, adding that Beijing’s continued purchases make it an “unreliable global partner.”

Bessent said he has raised the issue with Chinese officials but declined to say whether tensions could affect President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing next month.

“I think the message for the visit is stability. We’ve had great stability in the relationship since last summer; that emanates from the top down,” he said, adding, “I think that communication is the key.”