Full Breakdown
US and China Align Against Toll Demands in the Strait of Hormuz Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
5/13/2026, 12:51:28 AM
Core Event: Joint Stance on Hormuz Toll Prohibition
On May 12, 2026 senior officials from the United States and China announced a shared position that no nation or organization may impose tolls on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The declaration followed a phone call in April between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The statement was made by State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott and comes just before a summit between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping later that week, where the issue will be a key agenda item.
Background & Context
Iran has effectively closed the strait since Israeli-U.S. airstrikes on February 28, 2026, disrupting a waterway that previously carried roughly 20 % of global oil and gas shipments. The United States responded with a naval blockade and floated the idea of imposing its own tolls or collaborating with Tehran on toll collection. China, a major consumer of Iranian oil, has historically defended Tehran’s sovereignty while condemning the U.S. blockade. The April Wang-Rubio call marked a rare diplomatic overture between the two powers on the toll issue.
Key Figures & Groups
- President Donald Trump – summit host, advocate for open Hormuz traffic.
- President Xi Jinping – summit counterpart, maintains strategic ties with Iran.
- Wang Yi – Chinese Foreign Minister, participant in the April call, reiterated China’s “common concern.”
- Marco Rubio – U.S. Secretary of State, raised prospect of Chinese vessels paying tolls to pressure Tehran.
- Tommy Pigott – State Department spokesman, conveyed the joint agreement.
- Liu Pengyu – Chinese embassy spokesperson, emphasized safe, unimpeded passage.
- Mike Waltz – U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, criticized China’s stance at the UN.
Timeline
- Feb 28, 2026 – Israeli-U.S. airstrikes trigger near-complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- April 2026 – Wang Yi and Marco Rubio hold a phone call discussing tolls.
- May 12, 2026 – State Department announces joint U.S.–China opposition to tolls; Chinese embassy issues supportive comment.
- Later May 2026 – Trump-Xi summit scheduled; Hormuz tolls slated for discussion.
Data & Statistics
Before the closure, the Strait of Hormuz handled about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply, underscoring its strategic economic importance.
Why It Matters / Impact
A unified U.S.–China position could pressure Iran to lift toll demands, stabilizing global energy markets and reducing shipping costs. The stance also signals a potential thaw in U.S.–China strategic competition, as both powers seek common ground on maritime security. However, divergent views on forthcoming UN resolutions—where the United States and Bahrain propose sanctions on Iran’s tolls—highlight lingering diplomatic friction.
Official Statements & Responses
- The State Department, via Tommy Pigott, said the two sides “agreed that no country or organization can be allowed to charge tolls” in the strait.
- Liu Pengyu of the Chinese embassy stressed that “keeping the area safe and stable and ensuring unimpeded passage serves the common interest of the international community.”
- Wang Yi reiterated China’s “common concern about restoring normal and safe passage” while affirming support for Iran’s “national sovereignty and security.”
- U.S. UN ambassador Mike Waltz accused Beijing of “tolerating Iran holding the global economy at gunpoint,” reflecting Washington’s frustration with anticipated Chinese and Russian vetoes of a new UN resolution.
Criticism & Opposition
The United States and Bahrain have drafted a UN resolution demanding Iran cease attacks, mining, and “illegal tolls” in the strait. Diplomats anticipate Chinese and Russian vetoes, suggesting that despite the recent joint statement, broader multilateral consensus remains elusive.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the State Department claims a clear agreement, the Chinese embassy stopped short of explicitly confirming the toll stance, opting for a broader “common concern” phrasing. Chinese officials have also avoided direct mention of tolls, creating ambiguity about the depth of their commitment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They agreed that no country or organization can be allowed to charge tolls to pass through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz,” — Tommy Pigott, State Department spokesman
- “Keeping the area safe and stable and ensuring unimpeded passage serves the common interest of the international community,” — Liu Pengyu, Chinese embassy spokesperson
- “common concern about restoringnormal and safe passagethrough the strait” — Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister
- “safeguarding its national sovereignty and security.” — Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister
- “ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, to argue that Beijing was tolerating Iran holding the global economy at gunpoint.” — Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations
What’s Next
The Trump-Xi summit will address Hormuz tolls alongside broader U.S.–China issues. Subsequent UN deliberations on a resolution targeting Iran’s tolls and mining activities are expected, with the outcome likely shaped by the evolving U.S.–China diplomatic dynamic.
