U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls on China to intensify its diplomatic efforts regarding Iran, arguing that Iran should allow international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking in a televised interview, Bessent says China should “step up with some diplomacy” to persuade Iran to open the strait. The issue is also expected to come up during discussions surrounding President Donald Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week, according to one report. Bessent further says China and Russia should stop blocking United Nations initiatives related to protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The comments link broader international pressure and UN-related efforts to the specific goal of improving access for commercial vessels, with the Trump-Xi summit highlighted as a key forum for raising the matter.