Trump Urges China to Deploy Military Support, Requests Xi Jinping Send Warships to Strait of Hormuz
JAKARTA — US President Donald Trump has unexpectedly pressured China to immediately send military assistance to secure the Strait of Hormuz from the threat of Iranian blockade. On Monday, 16 March 2026, Trump emphasised that China is one of the countries that benefits most from the stability of that corridor and should participate in security operations.
In a telephone interview with the Financial Times published that day, Trump highlighted China’s heavy dependence on energy supplies passing through the vital strait. Trump specifically requested assistance from Chinese President Xi Jinping to help lift the blockade of the strait in an upcoming summit meeting, but also indicated that action should be taken more quickly.
“I think China should also help because China gets 90% of its oil from the Strait. This is really for China and many other countries,” Trump said.
Trump also questioned why the United States should continue to bear the burden alone in maintaining security of the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that the US military presence there actually provides more benefit to China than to America itself, making Beijing’s involvement highly logical.
“It is only right that those who benefit from the Strait help ensure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump stated firmly.
Trump’s firm request came after China’s Foreign Ministry unexpectedly intensified its criticism of attacks targeting commercial vessels amid Iranian military operations. The vital corridor is a conduit for approximately one quarter of global crude oil shipments via sea routes, now facing serious threats due to escalating tensions targeting vessels inside and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Guo Jiakun stated at a regular press conference on Friday, 13 March 2026, that Beijing was taking a firm position regarding stability in the Gulf region. This step was taken as international concerns grew over the security of international shipping lanes that serve as the lifeblood of global energy supplies.
“China disagrees with attacks against Gulf states and condemns all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets,” Guo Jiakun stated firmly without directly naming Iran, as cited by Newsweek.
NATO Warning
Meanwhile, whilst pressuring China, Trump also vented his frustration at NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) members, whom he considers to have failed to contribute proportionately. He warned that NATO members would face a very poor future if they refused to cooperate in sending military assistance to the conflict zone.
“If there is no response or if the response is negative, I think that will be very bad for NATO’s future,” Trump threatened.
Trump added that the United States has been very supportive in helping European countries regarding the Ukraine conflict, despite the distance being thousands of miles away. He now demanded reciprocal action from his allies to be present in the Strait of Hormuz to clear mines and repel drone threats.
“We have been very nice. We don’t have to help them with Ukraine. Ukraine is thousands of miles away from us. But we help them. Now we will see if they help us. Because I have been saying for a long time that we will be there for them, but they won’t be there for us. And I’m not sure they will be there,” Trump concluded.