According to Chinese customs data, the country imports roughly half of its crude oil and nearly one-third of its liquefied natural gas from the region.
Trump echoed that point, saying China receives “like 60 per cent” of its oil through Hormuz.
Trump pitches US energy exports
Trump also suggested China could shift energy sourcing to the United States.
“Send your ships to Texas… send your ships to Louisiana. Send your ships to Alaska,” he said, arguing that Alaska was geographically closer to several Asian economies than many realise.
China’s balancing act
Despite Trump’s remarks, Beijing has repeatedly criticised US military action against Iran, an important Chinese economic partner in West Asia.
The US government has also accused China of supporting Iran’s ballistic missile programme through the supply of dual-use industrial components.
However, Trump said Xi had agreed earlier this year not to provide weapons to Tehran.
China reiterates ‘balanced’ stance
China has continued to describe its position on the conflict as “objective, impartial and balanced”, while calling for a ceasefire and regional stability.
Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said Beijing would continue working with the international community to restore peace and stability in West Asia and the Gulf region.
The latest diplomatic exchanges underline Washington’s growing effort to draw China into stabilising global energy flows, even as geopolitical competition between the two powers continues elsewhere.
