The Global Times, a Chinese Communist Party tabloid, on Sunday asked, “Is this really about ‘sharing responsibility — or is it about sharing the risk of a war that Washington started and can’t finish?”

 

The Global Times, a Chinese Communist Party tabloid, on Sunday asked, “Is this really about ‘sharing responsibility — or is it about sharing the risk of a war that Washington started and can’t finish?”

In a Global Times editorial published on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the paper questioned the true intent behind U.S. President Donald Trump's request for international assistance in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Context of the Remarks

The editorial was a direct response to Washington's calls for other nations, including China, to deploy warships to secure the vital shipping lane following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran on February 28, 2026.

 

Key points from the Global Times piece and related developments include:

Criticism of U.S. Strategy: The paper argued that crowding the volatile waterway with more warships creates "flashpoints" rather than security, characterizing the request as a "carefully structured transfer of risk".

Divergent Approaches: It contrasted the two nations' stances, stating: "Washington is asking who will send warships. Beijing is asking how to stop the war".

Diplomatic Pressure: The comments come as President Trump suggested he might delay a planned state visit to Beijing (scheduled for March 31–April 2) if China does not assist in defending the Strait of Hormuz.

Broader Resistance: Several other U.S. allies, including NATO members and the United Kingdom, have also expressed reluctance or flatly refused to join the naval coalition, citing a desire to avoid being drawn into a wider regional conflict.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has reiterated its stance on a political settlement, with spokesperson Lin Jian emphasizing that "military force... cannot secure stability or build trust".