President Donald Trump indicated Sunday that he might delay his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping unless Beijing assists in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.

In an interview with the Financial Times published Sunday, Trump said, "We may delay," referring to the March 31 to April 2 visit, his first to China since 2017. He emphasized that China should contribute because roughly 90 percent of its oil passes through the strait, adding that two weeks until the summit was "a long time" and the U.S. wanted clarity beforehand. The White House has not confirmed any postponement.

The Strait of Hormuz has seen sharply reduced tanker traffic since early March amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. U.S. and Israeli strikes prompted Iran to impose restrictions, laying mines and threatening vessels, effectively halting much commercial shipping through the waterway that carries about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. Oil prices have surged, with U.S. gasoline averaging $3.72 per gallon and diesel at $4.99, the highest in years.

Trump has broadened his appeal for international support, urging nations like Japan, South Korea, France, the UK, and NATO allies to deploy warships and minesweepers. He warned NATO of a "very bad" future if they do not help and criticized the UK for initial hesitation. Responses have been mixed: the UK pledged to explore options, while Germany insisted the conflict is not NATO's war, and Japan cited legal constraints.

China's Foreign Ministry sidestepped questions about sending ships on Monday, reiterating calls for negotiations and highlighting the role of head-of-state diplomacy in U.S.-China ties. State media, including Global Times, dismissed Trump's request as shifting blame for a conflict Washington initiated. Beijing struck a deal with Iran for its own tanker movements but has opposed U.S.-Israeli actions.

The potential delay upends preparations for what was seen as a reboot in U.S.-China relations following a trade truce in Busan last October. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris over the weekend to finalize summit details, with more talks planned Monday. Experts note China has diversified energy sources and stockpiles, reducing immediate pressure, though prolonged closure risks broader economic fallout.