US president’s move forces China into political dilemma and could create a flashpoint ahead of his meeting with Chinese leader, analysts say
4-MIN READ4-MIN1 ListenFan ChenPublished: 10:15pm, 13 Apr 2026Donald Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz “forces Beijing into a political dilemma” and could potentially derail the US president’s coming summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, analysts said.After talks in Pakistan between the US and Iran ended without a deal on Sunday, Trump said in a social media post that the US would seal off the strategically vital chokepoint.In a narrower order issued later, the US military said American forces would blockade only “maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports”.
The order said that this would begin on Monday at 10am, Washington time. The measure applies to all Iranian ports along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The order said US forces would “not impede” vessels travelling to or from non-Iranian ports.
