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 disagreements in Beijing, he has introduced an unexpected demand: securing the Strait of Hormuz. China, however, appears unmoved by this request. The strait’s blockade by Iran has interrupted a fifth of the world’s oil flow, leading to sharp price increases and concerns over energy scarcity that could disrupt global markets. With the world facing its most severe oil crisis in recent years, Trump is urging allies like France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to collaborate in safeguarding the vital waterway.
Trump’s strategy hinges on leveraging China’s economic ties to convince the nation to support his efforts. During a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, he questioned whether China would assist before their upcoming summit with Xi Jinping. Failure to respond, he implied, might result in postponing the visit. “Those who benefit from the strait should help ensure its stability,” he stated, suggesting China should contribute to the cause.
“The Chinese may say, ‘Okay let’s just wait,’” remarked Bert Hofman, a scholar at the National University of Singapore’s East Asian Institute. “Their strategic security provides room for flexibility.”
China’s ability to withstand prolonged energy disruptions is bolstered by its recent investments in renewable energy and stockpiled reserves. Over the past few years, Beijing has diversified oil imports and expanded clean energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind power, reducing reliance on volatile markets. Meanwhile, Iran’s consideration of allowing tankers to pass through the strait in exchange for yuan-denominated oil trades adds another layer to the geopolitical calculus.
Inside China, the conflict in the Persian Gulf is viewed with a mix of amusement and pragmatism. Henry Huiyao Wang, head of the Center for China and Globalization in Beijing, noted that Trump faces growing isolation as fuel prices rise and diplomatic pressure mounts. “He’s unsettled the world with the Iran war and is in a precarious position,” Wang observed.
Despite this, China’s official media emphasized the need for US-China cooperation amid global instability. Yet, the nationalist Global Times challenged the notion, questioning if Washington’s actions in the region were about shared responsibility or shifting risks onto Beijing. “Is this truly about ‘sharing responsibility’ – or about sharing the burden of a war Washington began but cannot end?” the op-ed queried.
In a Monday press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated the significance of the upcoming meeting, offering no clear agreement on Trump’s request. “Head-of-state diplomacy is essential for guiding China-US relations,” she said, highlighting ongoing discussions about Trump’s visit.
Trump’s push to delay the summit comes amid stalled trade talks in Paris. Economic officials from the US and China have engaged in multiple rounds of dialogue on agriculture and critical minerals, but Trump’s recent trade authority setback has weakened his leverage. The Supreme Court’s ruling against unilateral tariffs has forced his administration to explore alternative measures to pressure Beijing.
China, a key ally of Iran and its largest oil buyer, has little motivation to align with Trump’s agenda. While it has criticized the attacks on Iran’s infrastructure, it has also voiced concerns over Iranian strikes on neighboring nations like Saudi Arabia. This balanced approach underscores Beijing’s calculated stance in a crisis that threatens to strain its economic and strategic partnerships.
