US President Donald Trump has warned that he could delay his planned summit with Xi Jinping if Beijing does not help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil trade, Hindustan Times reported.
The United States has said Trump is expected to visit China from March 31 to April 2 for talks with Xi. However, the meeting now faces uncertainty as the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran continues to disrupt oil supplies and raise geopolitical tensions.
In an interview with the Financial Times, President Trump said China should help ensure the safety of the strategic shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes.
"It's only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there," Trump said.
Earlier, the US president had also called on China to join a multinational effort to send ships to the strait to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels.
China's response to US pressure
China has not officially responded to the US request for naval support in the Strait of Hormuz. However, a commentary in the Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times criticised the proposal.
The commentary described the plan as Washington's attempt to shift responsibility for a conflict it started, HT reported.
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"Crowding a volatile waterway with warships from multiple nations doesn't create security. It creates flashpoints. If any single vessel were struck, the consequences could rapidly spiral beyond anyone's control," it said.
The article added that the proposal appeared to be "more a carefully structured transfer of risk."
China has also criticised the US war against Iran, a country with which Beijing maintains diplomatic ties. Analysts say Beijing is unlikely to send warships, especially since some oil shipments bound for China are still passing through the strait and the country maintains large oil reserves.
Uncertainty over Trump-Xi summit
Despite tensions, diplomatic contacts between the two countries continue. Chinese and US trade officials are meeting in Paris to prepare for the possible summit.
A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said the two sides remain in communication about Trump's proposed visit. "China and the United States are maintaining communication regarding President Trump's visit to China," spokesman Lin Jian told reporters.
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US officials have also discussed securing the Strait of Hormuz with allies such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea. However, many countries have expressed caution about sending ships into an active conflict zone, as per HT.
A delay in the summit could also suit Beijing. Chinese officials had earlier suggested holding the meeting later, possibly in late April, to allow more time for diplomatic preparations and discussions on broader issues, including regional security and Taiwan.
