Trump May Postpone China Visit Over Hormuz Strait Oil Crisis

President Trump is considering delaying his planned trip to China later this month as he seeks Beijing's help with reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil prices. The uncertainty highlights how recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran have disrupted global politics and energy markets.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is considering postponing his planned visit to China at month’s end while pushing Beijing to assist with reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil costs during the ongoing Iran conflict.

During a Sunday Financial Times interview, Trump pointed to China’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil as reason for their involvement in his proposed coalition aimed at restoring oil tanker passage through the strait following Iranian threats that have disrupted global petroleum flows. Trump indicated he wants to know Beijing’s position before traveling. “We may delay,” Trump stated during the interview.

This development highlights how significantly the recent U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran have altered international relations over the past two weeks. Canceling the planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could trigger substantial economic repercussions, given the already strained Washington-Beijing relationship marked by mutual tariff threats throughout the past year.

The White House has not yet provided comment on the matter.

Trump’s remarks coincided with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s Monday meeting in Paris with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for trade discussions designed to prepare for Trump’s Beijing visit. While both nations have maintained a truce preventing reciprocal tariff implementation, significant risks remain.

Initially, Trump had announced U.S. naval vessels would provide tanker escorts through the strait while minimizing Iran’s threat level. However, escalating oil prices have prompted his administration to explore alternative approaches, including this weekend’s proposal for international military cooperation. No countries have officially committed to participation yet.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One during his return from Florida, Trump revealed discussions with “about seven” nations regarding military assistance. He declined to identify these countries and avoided direct questions about China, though later implied extending such an invitation to Beijing.

“China’s an interesting case study,” he observed, referencing their Gulf oil dependency. “So I said, ‘Would you like to come in’ and we’ll find out. Maybe they will, maybe they won’t.”

The Iranian conflict has driven oil prices sharply higher, increasing costs for American consumers as midterm elections approach. China faces its own economic challenges, recently reducing its 2026 growth projection to 4.5-5%, marking the slowest anticipated expansion since 1991. Extended strait disruptions could significantly impact Beijing’s long-term economic outlook.

Prior to Trump’s trip postponement suggestion, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson in Washington remained noncommittal regarding Trump’s request for international strait assistance.

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

The spokesperson continued: “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 for de-escalation and restoration of peace.”