China Won’t Grant Trump Plea to Patrol Iranian Waterway

President Donald Trump may delay his much-anticipated visit to China at the end of the month as he seeks to ramp up pressure on Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and calm oil prices that have soared during the Iran war, Will Weissert reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The Chinese Embassy in Washington was noncommittal about Trump’s call for outside help in the strait. (Photo: 日本防衛省·統合幕僚監部)

In an interview Sunday with the Financial Times, Trump said China’s reliance on oil from the Middle East means it ought to help with a new coalition he is trying to put together to get oil tanker traffic moving through the strait after Iran’s threats have throttled global flows of oil.

Trump said “we’d like to know” before the trip whether Beijing will help.

“We may delay,” Trump said in the interview.

Before Trump suggested potentially canceling his trip, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington was noncommittal about Trump’s call for outside help in the strait.

“The Strait of Hormuz and waters nearby are an important route for international goods and energy trade. Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community,” the spokesperson said.

“All parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.”

The spokesperson added: “As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, China will continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, and play a constructive role in de-escalation and the restoration of peace.”

In short, Trump’s plea fell on deaf ears.