China dismissed President Donald Trump's request for its navy to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that all parties should "immediately cease military actions, avoid tensions from further spiraling and escalation, and prevent regional turbulence from having a large impact on global economic growth."

Trump made the appeal in a Truth Social post on Saturday, urging China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and others to send warships and minesweepers to secure the strait, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. He warned that failure to assist would spell a "very bad" future for NATO and noted that nations like China benefit from the waterway.

The request comes three weeks into Operation Epic Fury, a U.S.-Israeli military campaign launched on February 28 with airstrikes across Iran. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. and Gulf targets, declaring restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz that have brought tanker traffic to a near standstill, with only 90 vessels transiting since March 1. Iranian officials reported more than 1,400 deaths from the U.S.-Israeli offensive.

The Pentagon has surged forces to the region, including a Marine expeditionary unit, to counter Iranian threats and protect shipping. Trump stated U.S. forces are "hitting them very hard" and could target Iran's Kharg Island oil facilities if needed.

Other nations responded cautiously. France, Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia have no plans to dispatch warships, while South Korea said it would review the situation. Most NATO members declined involvement in a U.S.-led coalition.

China, Iran's largest oil buyer and diplomatic partner, has condemned the U.S.-Israeli actions and provided $200,000 in humanitarian aid to victims of a school bombing in Minab. Beijing maintains strategic oil reserves and alternative suppliers like Russia, reducing its immediate vulnerability.

Trump also announced a delay in his planned March 31 state visit to Beijing, citing the conflict, though China stated the two sides remain in communication to reschedule. He described relations with China as having a "very good working relationship."

The disruption has spiked global energy prices, though U.S. domestic production has cushioned some impacts. Efforts continue to restore safe passage through the strait as the conflict persists.