Trump pressures China over Hormuz; experts see possible delay to Beijing summit

2026.03.16 20:50 Talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing had been scheduled for March 31 to April 2. Amid speculation that his high-stakes Beijing trip could be affected by the ongoing Iran conflict, US President Trump on Monday intensified pressure on China and other major oil importers to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil chokepoint. While Trump remained tight-lipped on any changes to his travel plans, experts say a postponement remains a distinct possibility given ongoing logistical and diplomatic considerations. Sharply criticising nations that depend on the vital waterway, Trump underscored America’s energy independence, suggesting the US may not provide free protection for oil shipments indefinitely. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Describing China as a “great example”, Trump claimed “they get 91 per cent of their oil from the Hormuz Straits, which we protected for years”. Independent analysts, however, place the figure around 40 to 50 per cent. He said that it had “always bothered” him that “we are protecting them” and “never asked for reimbursement”, highlighting that the US had “all the oil we need for ourselves”. “China should be thanking us,” Trump added in a separate press gaggle later in the day. Trump’s remarks echoed his Sunday Financial Times interview, where he first signalled that his coming meeting could be at risk. He directly linked the Hormuz issue to his scheduled March 31-April 2 summit in Beijing, stating he would “like to know” China’s position on assisting beforehand and adding, “We may delay.” Speaking to reporters on Air Force One shortly after, he described China as an “interesting case study” due to its heavy dependence on Gulf oil and questioned why the US should continue shouldering the full protection burden. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

原文链接: 南华早报