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 the US-China summit approaches in Beijing, President Donald Trump has introduced a new demand for the talks: ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes amid a severe disruption in global oil supply, with Iran’s blockade of the critical waterway reducing one-fifth of the world’s crude flow. The crisis has caused price surges and raised fears of energy scarcity, potentially destabilizing the global economy.
China’s Strategic Position
China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, faces limited pressure to support Trump’s call. Over recent years, Beijing has bolstered its energy security through stockpiling reserves, expanding import routes, and investing heavily in renewable sources like wind and solar power. Analysts suggest China’s stability in this context gives it room to negotiate without immediate consequence.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump told the Financial Times. “I think China should help too.”
Trump’s request is unusual, as he is asking China to risk its military assets in a conflict initiated by the US against a country aligned with Beijing. However, China’s economic resilience and geopolitical flexibility make it less inclined to comply. The Global Times, a nationalist publication, questioned the necessity of sending warships to the strait, implying the US may be seeking to shift responsibility.
Domestic and International Reactions
Inside China, the ongoing war in Iran is viewed with a mix of detachment and satisfaction. “Trump is lonely these days in the world, no one really supports him,” noted Henry Huiyao Wang, head of the Center for China and Globalization. The conflict has strained US alliances, with NATO warned of dire consequences if members don’t deploy warships. Japan and Australia have so far refused, leaving China as a key player with minimal obligation.
Meanwhile, Trump’s diplomatic leverage has been tested by recent legal challenges. The Supreme Court recently ruled against his unilateral tariff policies, weakening his position in trade negotiations. Despite this, he remains active in leveraging economic partnerships, as seen in ongoing talks in Paris with Chinese officials over agricultural and mineral deals.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized the significance of the summit, stating that “head-of-state diplomacy plays an indispensable role in guiding China-US relations.” While no firm commitment was made to Trump’s request, the meeting remains a priority. “The two sides remain in communication regarding President Trump’s visit to China,” Lin added.
With the oil crisis intensifying and domestic pressure mounting in the US, Trump’s strategy hinges on securing international cooperation. Yet, China’s strategic autonomy and economic preparedness suggest it may not be swayed easily, even as the world watches its response to the global energy turmoil.
