President Donald Trump said he may delay his planned visit to China as he presses Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where threats linked to the war in Iran have disrupted global oil shipments and driven up prices. In an interview, Trump said he wants clarity on whether China will join a coalition aimed at protecting oil tanker traffic before committing to the trip.

The potential postponement highlights rising geopolitical and economic tensions following United States and Israeli strikes on Iran. Canceling the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could further strain relations between Washington and Beijing, which have already been tense amid tariff disputes despite a temporary trade truce.

Trump said the United States has approached several countries about contributing naval support to secure the vital shipping lane, noting China’s heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil. Beijing responded cautiously, emphasizing the importance of stability and uninterrupted energy supplies while signaling it would continue diplomatic engagement to promote de-escalation.

Soaring oil prices have increased costs for American consumers and added political pressure at home, while China faces its own economic challenges and slower projected growth. Prolonged disruption in the strait could carry significant consequences for both economies and the broader global market.