Trump needs China’s help fixing the global oil crisis. It’s unlikely to play along
Trump Seeks China’s Support in Resolving Global Oil Crisis; Cooperation Seems Uncertain
The Crisis and Trump’s New Demand
As President Donald Trump prepares to address pressing bilateral disagreements in Beijing, he has introduced an unexpected condition: securing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This move follows Iran’s closure of the vital shipping channel, which has disrupted a fifth of the world’s oil supply and triggered surges in global fuel prices. The resulting economic anxiety has raised concerns about potential energy shortages, casting doubt on the stability of international markets.
With the global economy teetering on the edge of a historic oil shortage, Trump has turned to allies such as France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to collaborate on safeguarding the strait. However, his focus on China has intensified, as he aims to leverage diplomatic pressure during an upcoming summit with Xi Jinping. In an interview with the Financial Times, he emphasized the need for China’s involvement, suggesting the possibility of postponing the meeting if Beijing fails to respond.
“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 FT. “I think China should help too.”
China’s Strategic Position and Calculations
Despite Trump’s demands, China shows little urgency to align with his strategy. The nation has fortified its energy resilience through strategic stockpiling, expanded import sources, and heavy investments in renewables like wind and solar power. Analysts note that Beijing’s geopolitical stability allows it to maneuver without immediate risk, unlike other Asian countries.
CNN reports that Iran is exploring the idea of permitting tankers through the strait in exchange for oil transactions in Chinese yuan. Bert Hofman, a professor at the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, remarked that China might adopt a wait-and-see approach, given its secure position. “Given that they are pretty secure strategically, they would have some room to maneuver,” Hofman said.
Domestic Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions
Within China, the conflict in the Persian Gulf has stirred mixed reactions. While state media advocates for US-China unity, the Global Times, a nationalist publication, questioned the motive behind Trump’s push for military intervention. “Is this really about ‘sharing responsibility’ – or is it about sharing the risk of a war that Washington started and can’t finish?” the op-ed author asked.
In a Monday press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian avoided a clear commitment to Trump’s request, highlighting the significance of the summit. “Head-of-state diplomacy plays an indispensable role in providing strategic guidance to China-US relations,” Lin stated, as discussions on trade agreements in Paris continue to shape the economic dialogue.
Trump’s Leverage and the Supreme Court Ruling
Trump’s diplomatic leverage has faced challenges after the Supreme Court’s decision earlier this year, which ruled his unilateral tariffs on all trade partners exceeded his authority. This setback has forced his administration to seek alternative methods to impose similar measures. Meanwhile, he has warned NATO of dire economic consequences if members don’t deploy warships to the strait, though Japan and Australia have resisted the call.
China, a key ally of Iran and its largest oil buyer, remains a reluctant participant in the crisis. While Beijing has criticized the attacks on Iran, it has also pointed out the country’s strikes against neighboring states like Saudi Arabia. With these complexities, the likelihood of China aiding Trump’s efforts appears slim, as the nation navigates its own interests amid global uncertainty.
