Trump demands others help secure Strait of Hormuz, Japan and Australia say no plans to send ships

“I think China should help too because China gets 90% of its oil from the Straits,” Donald Trump said. “We may delay,” he said in reference to his visit if China did not ⁠offer support in the Gulf.

Japan and Australia said on Monday (March 16, 2026) they were not planning to send navy vessels to West Asia to escort ships ‌through the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to create a coalition to reopen the ​vital waterway.

With the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran creating turmoil across West Asia and shaking up global energy markets ⁠in its third week, Mr. Trump on Sunday (March 16, 2026) insisted that nations relying heavily on oil from the Gulf have a responsibility to protect the strait through which 20% of the world’s energy transits. Markets in Asia opened cautiously, with Brent crude rising more than 1% above $104.50 and regional share markets mostly weaker after Mr. Trump’s comments about ‌enlisting other countries to help safeguard the strait.