Trump needs China’s help fixing the global oil crisis. It’s unlikely to play along

As President Donald Trump prepares to address critical US-China disputes in Beijing, he has introduced a novel demand: securing the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes amid Iran’s blockade of the vital waterway, which has disrupted one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, causing price jumps and fears of energy shortages that could destabilize the global economy.

Trump, now facing the most severe oil crisis in history, is urging allies like France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to collaborate in safeguarding the strait. To pressure China, he is seeking a commitment before his planned summit with Xi Jinping. In a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, he questioned whether China would assist, hinting that a lack of response might lead to postponing the meeting.

“It’s only appropriate that those benefiting from the strait contribute to its security,” he remarked, adding, “I think China should help too.”

Bert Hofman, a professor at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, suggested that China might adopt a wait-and-see approach. “Given their strategic stability, they would have room to maneuver,” he noted.

The ongoing conflict, which US and Israeli officials claim will persist for weeks, has overshadowed the Beijing summit. Trump now faces domestic criticism over rising fuel prices as attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure intensify. Within China, the war is viewed with a mix of satisfaction and commentary from analysts, who note that Trump’s actions have placed him in a precarious position globally.

China’s state-run media on Sunday urged enhanced US-China collaboration amid global uncertainty. However, the Global Times, a nationalist publication, questioned the wisdom of sending US warships to the Strait of Hormuz. The unnamed op-ed author posed, “Is this truly about sharing responsibility—or sharing the burden of a war Washington initiated and cannot conclude?”

In a Monday press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian avoided confirming Trump’s request, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming meeting. “Head-of-state diplomacy is essential for guiding China-US relations,” she stated, highlighting ongoing communication about Trump’s visit to China.

Trump’s proposal to delay the summit coincides with US and Chinese economic officials discussing potential trade agreements in Paris, focusing on agriculture and critical minerals. His earlier authority over tariffs was challenged when the Supreme Court ruled he exceeded his power by imposing unilateral tariffs. Now, the administration is exploring alternative methods to enforce similar measures.

“The US needs China more than China needs the US,” Wang said. China, a key ally of Iran and major oil buyer, has less incentive to support Trump. Its officials have criticized the attacks on Iran and called for an immediate ceasefire. However, they have also expressed concerns about Iranian strikes on neighboring states, such as Saudi Arabia. Despite these nuances, Beijing is unlikely to take decisive action in the current situation.