Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he may postpone his planned visit to China if Beijing does not assist international efforts to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz after tensions escalated in the Middle East.
The warning comes after Iran shut the narrow maritime passage following military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical energy shipping routes in the world. Around 25 percent of global crude oil and nearly 20 percent of international natural gas supplies pass through the waterway.
The closure of the route has already affected global energy supply chains, pushing oil prices higher in international markets and raising concerns about potential impacts on the global economy.
Global Concerns Over Energy Supply Disruption
The Strait of Hormuz plays a crucial role in global energy trade, connecting major oil-producing countries in the Persian Gulf with international markets. Following the closure of the route, oil markets reacted quickly, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption could further strain global supply and increase energy costs.
The situation has heightened concerns among major economies that rely heavily on energy imports from the Gulf region.
Trump Calls for Naval Escort and International Cooperation
President Trump said the United States is actively working to reopen the maritime route and ensure safe passage for energy shipments. He suggested that U.S. naval forces could escort oil tankers if necessary to keep the route operational and prevent further disruption to global oil supply.
On Saturday, Trump also urged several countries, including China and the United Kingdom, to support international efforts to secure the waterway. However, analysts say China is unlikely to deploy naval vessels in the region, raising doubts about its direct military involvement in reopening the route.
Pressure on China Ahead of Trump–Xi Summit
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said he hopes the issue surrounding the Strait of Hormuz will be addressed before his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump noted that China relies heavily on oil shipments passing through the waterway and therefore has a strong interest in ensuring the route remains open.
“I think China should help because around 90 percent of its oil passes through that route,” Trump said. He added that his upcoming visit to China, scheduled for the end of March, could be delayed depending on Beijing’s response to the situation.
The planned meeting with President Xi is expected to focus on finalizing a trade agreement reached earlier between the two countries. Taiwan-related issues are also expected to be part of the discussions.
Some analysts believe China has taken a relatively cautious position on the strikes against Iran partly to avoid jeopardizing diplomatic engagement with Washington.
