Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian characterized the current climate as “tense” and a threat to global stability. The diplomatic friction follows an interview with the Financial Times, in which President Trump argued that nations benefiting from navigation through the Strait of Hormuz should contribute to its protection. “I believe China should help as well because they get 90 percent of their oil from the Strait,” Trump remarked. He added that he intends to clarify Beijing’s stance before his scheduled state visit to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping, threatening to postpone the trip. Trump anticipated that China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain, and other nations would deploy naval forces to the region.

Source: Egypt Independent March 16, 2026 14:29 UTC