Trump praises China for remaining ‘relatively inactive’ during Strait of Hormuz crisis
President Trump has praised China for its relative inactivity during the Strait of Hormuz crisis ahead of a planned visit by President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, the administration appears to be softening its stance on potential sanctions against Chinese banks.
Why it matters
The shift in rhetoric suggests a strategic pivot in US-China relations, prioritizing diplomatic stability over immediate economic confrontation.
US President Donald Trump praised China on Monday for remaining on the sidelines during the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, just weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Washington.
“Even with the Strait of Hormuz , he’s relatively inactive. He’s been relatively inactive by comparison to what he could have been,” Trump said while responding to a reporter’s question on Xi’s likely visit.
“He’s coming in a couple of weeks. He looks forward to it. I look forward to having him. We have had a very good relationship.”
Trump added that he had “a lot of respect” for the Chinese leader and believed the feeling was mutual.
“I think he respects me, and I think he respects our country again. He didn’t respect our country two years ago. He laughed at our country.”
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