Trump Presses Allies on Strait of Hormuz — China Sidesteps, Europe Refuses

Washington / Beijing / Brussels — March 16, 2026
The Iran war’s third week has opened a new diplomatic front, as President Trump escalates pressure on global allies to join a naval coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz — only to face a wall of reluctance from Europe and a calculated dodge from China.
Trump, writing on Truth Social, called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and “others” to send warships to keep the vital corridor open, arguing that nations most dependent on Gulf oil should bear the burden of protecting it. “Why are we maintaining the Hormuz Strait when it’s really there for China and many other countries?” he said aboard Air Force One. 
China Plays It Cautious:
Beijing sidestepped Trump’s direct request, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterating calls for all parties to immediately halt military operations and avoid further escalation, warning of grave damage to the global economy.  U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who held meetings with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris, insisted the relationship between the world’s two largest economies remains stable, even as Trump hinted his upcoming China summit could be called off if Beijing fails to act. 
Europe Rules Out NATO Role:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer firmly rebuffed Trump’s demands, saying any plan to reopen the strait would not be a NATO mission and that Britain would not be drawn into the wider war.  (China-Global South Project) Germany’s government spokesperson was equally blunt, stating that “this war has nothing to do with NATO,” while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he sees no role for NATO members in the Strait of Hormuz. 
Global Economy Reeling:
Tehran’s near-blockade of the strait has effectively cut off approximately 15 million barrels of crude oil and 5 million barrels of oil products from global markets every day, pushing oil prices to their highest level since July 2022.  (Al Arabiya) Iran’s IRGC Navy chief pushed back on Trump’s claims, saying the strait “has not yet been militarily closed and is merely under control.” 
Trump’s Warning:
Trump issued a pointed warning to reluctant allies, saying “we will remember” those who fail to step up. Analysts, however, warn there is no quick military solution — keeping insurers away from the strait requires only occasional Iranian strikes, making reopening it far more complex than Trump’s public statements suggest.