Vice President JD Vance said China appears willing to support the U.S.-led Operation Economic Outcast, a campaign designed to economically isolate Iran, despite policy disagreements and what he called a misalignment of interests between Washington and Beijing. Speaking at a White House media briefing on Thursday, Vance said the PRC was willing to cooperate, while stressing that China was not meeting every U.S. request. He also said President Donald Trump maintains a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and described China as comparatively more responsible than Iran because Beijing does not attack commercial shipping during disputes. The European Union has formally joined the operation, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praising its strong and early stance on Iran sanctions. South Korea is reportedly considering a military role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Türkiye, Azerbaijan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states are also helping Washington seek consequences for Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping. Vance said the campaign is intended to protect shipping, maintain global energy supplies and prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is urging President Trump to stop China’s purchases of Iranian oil before Xi Jinping’s Washington visit, arguing that Beijing has supported the losing horse by backing Iran and should face economic pressure to reconsider its relationship with Tehran.