Trump needs China’s help fixing the global oil crisis. It’s unlikely to play along
Trump needs China’s help fixing the global oil crisis. It’s unlikely to play along
As President Donald Trump prepares to address key US-China issues in Beijing, he has introduced a fresh demand during discussions: securing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s blockade of the vital shipping route has disrupted 20% of global oil flow, causing price surges and concerns over energy shortages that could destabilize the world economy. With the most severe oil crisis in history unfolding, Trump is urging allies like France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to collaborate in ensuring the strait remains open.
To sway China, Trump is applying further diplomatic pressure. In a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, he questioned whether Beijing would support his efforts before the scheduled summit with Xi Jinping. “Those who benefit from the strait should help prevent any disruption there,” he remarked, implying China’s role in stabilizing the region. However, China appears unmotivated to comply, as the nation has already fortified its energy reserves and diversified supply sources. Over recent years, Beijing has stockpiled crude oil, expanded imports from alternative markets, and invested heavily in renewable energy sectors such as wind and solar power.
Iran’s strategy has also sparked discussions about financial implications. The country may permit some tankers through the strait if oil transactions are conducted in Chinese yuan. Bert Hofman, a professor at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, noted that China might adopt a wait-and-see approach. “Given their strategic stability, they could afford to take a backseat,” he said, highlighting Beijing’s ability to weather prolonged energy challenges.
The conflict in the region has overshadowed the Beijing summit, which Trump initially proposed. Domestic discontent over rising fuel prices has intensified as Iran’s energy infrastructure faces attacks. Inside China, the situation is viewed with a mix of amusement and analysis. Henry Huiyao Wang, president of the Center for China and Globalization, remarked that “Trump is increasingly isolated globally, with few allies backing his actions.” The war in Iran has complicated his diplomatic standing, leaving him in a precarious position.
China’s official media has encouraged closer US-China cooperation amid global uncertainties, but the nationalist Global Times criticized the idea of sending warships to the strait. An anonymous op-ed questioned whether the push for shared responsibility was genuine or a tactic to shift risk to China. During a Monday press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized the importance of the upcoming meeting, stating that “head-of-state diplomacy is essential for guiding China-US relations.” Yet, no clear endorsement of Trump’s request was given.
Trump’s threat to delay the summit reflects broader challenges in his negotiations with China. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled against his unilateral tariffs, weakening his leverage. US officials are now exploring other methods to impose similar economic pressures. “The US depends more on China than China relies on the US,” Wang observed. Meanwhile, NATO has been warned of potential consequences if members fail to deploy warships. Japan and Australia have hesitated to follow suit, leaving China as a key player in the dispute.
