US official says China is ‘funding’ Iran, urges Beijing to help open Hormuz

The story

Scott Bessent says US has absolute control of Hormuz, but calls on China to step up with diplomacy to reopen strait.

From the source

x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Washington and Beijing have had 'great stability' in their recent relationship, says US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent [File:Annabelle Gordon/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 4 May 2026 4 May 2026 United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused China of “funding the largest state sponsor of terrorism”, referring to Iran, saying that Beijing should help Washington in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz .

Bessent’s blunt criticism of China’s relations with Iran on Monday comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s expected visit to Beijing next week, where he is set to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

“Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism, and China has been buying 90 percent of their energy, so they are funding the largest state sponsor of terrorism,” Bessent told Fox News.

Who and what

Key names and topics in this story: China, Iran, Beijing, Hormuz.

Where to follow next

• Read the full piece at www.aljazeera.com
• More from our World news coverage