Trump Tries to Pressure China Into Helping With Iran Conflict

Desperate move as US struggles to keep Strait of Hormuz open amid escalating tensions

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the US-Iran conflict escalates, with attacks on Iran's oil infrastructure, President Trump is now desperately trying to pressure China into sending warships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Trump is threatening consequences if China doesn't comply, including delaying a planned meeting with President Xi. However, analysts say Trump holds little leverage, as China's trade dependence on the US has diminished and the conflict is actually boosting China's economic position globally.

Why it matters

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of global oil shipments, is causing a major energy crisis that is driving up inflation worldwide. Trump's efforts to drag China into the conflict risk further escalation and potential military confrontation, at a time when the global economy is already teetering on the brink of recession due to the fallout.

The details

Trump is demanding that China send its navy to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, threatening to delay a planned meeting with President Xi if China refuses. However, analysts say China holds the upper hand, as its trade dependence on the US has declined significantly, while the conflict is actually boosting China's economic position globally. Iran has also taken steps to de-dollarize oil sales, potentially triggering a shift away from the petrodollar system that could further undermine US economic leverage.

  • The US has carried out attacks on Iran's Kharg Island, its biggest oil export hub, since the conflict began.
  • Crude oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel again due to the disruption of global oil supply.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who is desperately trying to pressure China into helping keep the Strait of Hormuz open amid the escalating conflict with Iran.

Xi Jinping

The President of China, whom Trump is threatening to delay a meeting with if China does not send its navy to help the US in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran

The country at the center of the conflict, which has taken steps to de-dollarize oil sales and disrupt global oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Transcript)

“Well, it's both. It's both. It's a uh an excursion that will keep us out of a war and the war is going to be uh I mean, for them it's a war. For us, it's uh turned out to be easier than we thought.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Transcript)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Trump's desperate attempts to pressure China into helping with the Iran conflict highlight the US's waning global influence, as China's economic power continues to grow independently of the US. The conflict risks further escalation and a potential global economic crisis, with the US holding little leverage to prevent a shift away from the petrodollar system.