So here's a fun geopolitical puzzle: you're in a tense situation in the Middle East, and you need help securing a vital oil shipping lane. Who do you call? If you're President Donald Trump, apparently you're hoping China will pick up the phone. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer thinks that's, well, a bit ridiculous.
On Monday, Schumer took to social media to blast the president after Trump suggested China should help the United States secure the Strait of Hormuz. "Donald Trump says he's hoping China will help us clear the Strait of Hormuz. Are you kidding me?" Schumer wrote. He added that Trump had "created a mess" in the region and appeared to have no clear plan to end it.
This criticism followed Trump's latest appeal for outside assistance. In a recent interview, Trump argued that countries benefiting from the strait should help keep it open. "It's only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there. I think China should help too," he said. He also warned that NATO faced a "very bad" future if allies refused to assist in the mission.
It seems the president is juggling his schedule along with his diplomacy. Trump said Monday he had asked to delay a planned late-March visit to China by "a month or so" so he could stay in Washington as operations concerning Iran continue. Reports indicate China confirmed it remains in contact with Washington about the summit.
Trump isn't just facing criticism from political opponents. Former national security adviser John Bolton also faulted the administration's planning, writing that the "proper political preparation" for the conflict had not been done. In a television interview, Bolton said "there's a real problem here" when asked about Trump's push for NATO countries to send ships to the Hormuz.
So far, Trump's broader call for help hasn't exactly sparked a global rally. Reports indicate that no country has formally committed to sending warships, despite U.S. outreach to nations including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Britain. Germany, Spain, and Italy have reportedly rebuffed Washington's request, while Japan said it has no current plans for an escort mission. It seems asking for help is one thing; getting it is another.
