On the 15th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump continued to pressure China to dispatch warships to ensure the safe navigation of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route from the Middle East. He also mentioned the possibility of delaying the summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for late this month or early next month. In a phone interview with the Financial Times (FT), Trump emphasized the necessity of China’s active participation, noting, “China imports 90% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz.” Referring to the remaining period until the U.S.-China summit, he added, “Two weeks is a long time. (The meeting) can be postponed.”
Analysts suggest that Trump’s comments reflect growing concerns over the prolonged blockade of the strait and high oil prices. Since China, a major purchaser of Iranian oil, benefits significantly from oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump’s remarks are seen as urging China to actively contribute to resolving the situation. White House spokeswoman Caroline Glebbitt also indicated in a Fox News interview on the 16th that “while the meeting is not in jeopardy, there is a considerable chance it could be postponed.”
On the 15th, from his Air Force One aircraft, President Trump claimed that he had requested participation from about seven countries to form a coalition to provide escort for the Strait of Hormuz, receiving positive responses. This list includes South Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France, plus two more unnamed countries. Without mentioning specific countries, he stated, “Whether we receive support or not, we will remember this (level of participation).” On the same day, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, in an interview with ABC News, emphasized that it is logical for a broad coalition including major Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, and China to cooperate in reopening the strait.
Contrastingly, China’s state-run Global Times criticized in its editorial dated the 16th, saying, “It’s as if someone (the U.S.) has set the fire and is now asking the world to join in extinguishing it and bear the costs.”
Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the importance of international cooperation in talks with Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on the 16th. Rubio emphasized that cooperation among nations is more crucial than ever to ensure long-term safety in the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize the global economy and international oil prices. The call, initiated at Rubio’s request, is interpreted as an implicit request for South Korea to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Minister Cho stated, “Peace in the Middle East and the safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz are very important to the security and economy of all nations, including South Korea. Let’s continue to consult closely,” according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The same day, Lee Kyuyun, the Chief Presidential Secretary for Public Communication, responded to the U.S.’s request to dispatch warships, saying, “We should make decisions after sufficient time and thorough discussions between South Korea and the U.S.,” indicating a cautious approach.