Washington and Beijing Unite Against Iranian Toll Demands in the Strait of Hormuz

U.S.-China Consensus Rejects Ship Passage Fees

According to Главком: In a significant diplomatic move, the United States and China have agreed that no nation or organization should impose tolls on vessels navigating international waters, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes just before a scheduled meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping on Wednesday. The U.S. State Department confirmed the agreement, as reported by Reuters.

During a phone call, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi jointly stated that 'no country or entity has the right to levy fees on ships in this strategic waterway.' Beijing did not dispute the American account of the conversation, signaling a willingness to cooperate on the issue. As the largest buyer of Iranian oil, China has a direct stake in ensuring free passage through the strait, making this a matter of mutual economic interest.

The Stakes of Global Cooperation

Before recent conflicts, the Strait of Hormuz handled 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments. Tehran argues it has the right to charge transit fees, sparking international debate. Donald Trump had previously floated the idea of joint oversight of such payments, but the White House has since reverted to demanding absolute freedom of navigation. The U.S., along with Bahrain, drafted a UN Security Council resolution on the matter, though China vetoed an earlier similar proposal. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz accused Beijing of 'effectively allowing Iran to hold the global economy hostage.'

On May 5, 2026, the Persian Gulf Strait Administration (PGSA) was established, introducing a new vessel authorization system. Ships that ignore PGSA requirements risk becoming targets for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This situation underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to safeguard navigation in one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints.

The U.S.-China agreement rejecting tolls in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching effects on global energy supplies, given the route's critical role in oil and gas transport. Their unified stance reflects an effort to find common ground amid complex international relations, particularly as both nations navigate economic ties with Iran and its oil market.

This agreement between the U.S. and China highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing regional tensions. As the dynamics evolve, China's potential role as a mediator in Iran-U.S. negotiations could further influence the stability of maritime trade routes and energy security in the region.