President Trump has warned he could postpone a summit with Xi Jinping set to begin in just over two weeks if China refuses to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. president's threat comes as tensions escalate over maritime access in the Persian Gulf. The meeting, originally scheduled to address bilateral trade and regional security, now hangs in the balance.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has become a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. Trump's ultimatum suggests Washington wants Beijing to use its influence with Iran to ensure free passage through the waterway. The timing is particularly sensitive as both nations navigate ongoing trade disputes and technological competition.

This development marks a significant escalation in diplomatic maneuvering ahead of the planned talks. By linking the summit to China's cooperation on the Hormuz issue, Trump is effectively holding the meeting hostage to broader geopolitical concerns. The move could either force China's hand on the maritime dispute or derail what was meant to be a crucial dialogue between the world's two largest economies.