U.S. President Donald Trump pressured China to dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz and hinted he could postpone a visit to China if it refuses, while China's foreign ministry urged that "all countries should halt military actions."
Lin Jian, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, said this at a regular afternoon briefing on the 16th when asked about China's position on President Trump's demand to send warships.
Earlier, in an interview with the Financial Times (FT) of the United Kingdom, President Trump singled out China along with South Korea, Japan, France and the United Kingdom, demanding that they dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Trump demanded that China state its position before the U.S.-China summit expected in early April, saying he "could postpone a visit to China."
In response, Lin said, "Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters have recently escalated, disrupting international cargo and energy trade routes and undermining regional and global stability," and added, "China believes all countries should immediately halt military actions, avoid further escalation of tensions, and prevent regional instability from expanding to have a greater impact on the world economy."
When asked whether China had received a related request from the United States to dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz, Lin said, "There is no additional information to provide." Regarding Trump's remarks about postponing a visit to China, Lin said, "Diplomacy between heads of state plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance in U.S.-China relations, and both sides are in ongoing communication regarding President Trump's visit to China."