Donald Trump Urges Japan, China and South Korea to Help Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump asked Japan, China, and South Korea on March 16, 2026, to send their warships to open the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed by Iran in retaliation for the escalation of the war between the United States and Israel, which carries 20% of the world's oil supply. 

Trump reminded Japan, which relies on 95%, China, which relies on 90%, S. Korea, which relies on 35%, versus the United States, which relies on less than 1%, that they need "enthusiasm" after protecting their interests with their troops. 

Trump asked these countries to send their warships to the United States coalition, which was echoed by Secretary Rubio over phone calls. However, no commitments yet, aside from China, which dismissed the request, and while S. Korea reviews. 

Donald Trump Urges Japan, China and South Korea to Help Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Trump put this in perspective by stating this is a fair burden-sharing, citing U.S. troops stationed in S. Korea, Japan, and Europe and that they don’t pay. 

Iran used drones, mines, and missiles to shut the Strait of Hormuz despite U.S. attacks resulting in 100% military destruction. 

Oil prices increased by 30% as a result. Trump is to hold direct talks with Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi.

Reopening Strait of Hormuz Global Responses and Oil Stakes

China has refused to get involved, and it has benefited from the U.S.'s distraction, so claim experts. Meanwhile, France is planning a European-Asian alliance after the war. 

S. Korea holds Blue House talks with the U.S. over the issue, while the Strait processes 21 million barrels a day, and a closure could lead to recession. Trump warned low "enthusiasm" affects alliances.

Economic Pressures and Coalition Push

Japan gets almost all its oil through Hormuz, which faces shortages; S. Korea is 35% vulnerable. Trump called it "simple military maneuver," eyeing 7 countries, including the UK, France. Rubio primed S. Korea's Cho Taek-soo for support.

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Trump's Hormuz appeal pressures oil-dependent allies, eyeing swift coalition amid war. Global trade hangs in balance.