China has remained publicly silent after U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday urged Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil chokepoint that has been largely shut down during the escalating war with Iran.
The standoff around the narrow waterway, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes, has already sent crude and natural gas prices sharply higher, raising fears of a sustained disruption to global energy flows.
According to reporting by the Associated Press, Chinese officials declined to directly address Trump’s request when asked during a daily briefing on Monday, instead reiterating Beijing’s broader call for de-escalation in the region.
The White House is pushing major oil-importing nations to take a more active role in protecting tanker traffic through the strait. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration has contacted roughly seven countries that rely heavily on Middle Eastern crude shipments and expects them to help secure the route.
“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it is their territory,” Trump said, referring to the shipping corridor used by many Asian economies to import energy supplies.
China is particularly exposed to any disruption in Hormuz traffic. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that the majority of crude moving through the strait ultimately heads to Asian markets, including China, India, Japan and South Korea.
In the first quarter of 2025, more than one-third of the oil transiting the Strait of Hormuz was destined for China, according to reporting by The Hill citing EIA data.
Washington is now working toward assembling a multinational naval coalition to escort commercial shipping through the passage. Officials cited by The Wall Street Journal said the mission could be announced as soon as this week, though details remain under discussion and participation from key partners is not yet confirmed.
European and Asian governments have reacted cautiously so far. Britain confirmed Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed reopening the strait with Trump, while South Korea said it would closely coordinate with Washington before making any decision.
Trump has also signaled that the standoff could affect his diplomatic schedule with Beijing. Trump told the Financial Times on Monday that he may delay a planned visit to China later this month if there is no clarity on whether Beijing will help secure the strait. The trip is currently scheduled for March 31 through April 2 and would include a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
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