US President Donald Trump has put direct pressure on China in an interview given to the Financial Times (FT). He said that Beijing should work with America to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Trump said that China gets 90% of its oil from this important waterway, so it is very important for them too.
What did Trump say while putting pressure on China for help?
Trump told the FT, ‘I think China should also help because China gets 90% of its oil from the Straits. Countries that take advantage of this route should ensure that nothing goes wrong there. Trump also said that if China does not help, he can postpone the planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This summit is to be held at the end of this month.
Regarding specific help, Trump said that minesweepers are needed and people who can destroy some bad actors on Iranian noise. Trump also added that America is hitting Iran very hard, now they only have the strength left to face a little trouble.
This statement has come at a time when Iran has almost closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil passes. Oil prices have already reached $102 to $106 per barrel. If the situation does not improve then there is a possibility of it going up to $200 per barrel.
America attacks Iran’s oil export hub
America has launched major attacks on Kharg Island, 90% of Iran’s oil export hub, but Iran is still retaliating. Like hypersonic missile attack on Al-Dhafra base of UAE. Trump has already appealed to many countries like UK, France, Japan and South Korea to send warships, but most of the countries have refused help. Australia flatly refused, UK also talked about limited help.
Trump gave open warning to NATO
Trump also gave a strong warning to NATO. In an FT interview, he said that if NATO’s allies do not help America in the matter of Iran and especially in opening the Strait of Hormuz, then NATO will have a ‘very bad future’. Trump said, ‘If there is no response or a negative response, it will be very bad for the future of NATO.’ He cited NATO’s help in Ukraine that America supported Ukraine against Russia, now it is their turn to help.
Trump says that America needs very little oil (only 1%), but countries like China, Japan, South Korea are more dependent. That’s why it’s a ‘small task’, just keeping the straight open. However, even after weakening Iran’s military, no major response is being received.
