China could use its influence over Iran to push for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and may even consider purchasing American oil to reduce its reliance on the strategic waterway, the White House said on Thursday, signaling what would amount to a major policy shift by Washington's foremost economic rival. "The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy," the White House said in a statement released after talks between U.S. President