Middle East has been in conflict for two weeks, and Trump has once again created a "famous scene", claiming that the U.S. military is fighting with Iran in the Hormuz Strait for the benefit of China. He is about to go to China and feels honored to be able to protect China.

Trump

Recently, a statement made by U.S. President Trump during an interview with the media shocked the world. He stated that the reason the U.S. military is clashing with Iran over ensuring the passage of the Hormuz Strait is not for itself, but for countries like China. Notably, he emphasized the name of China.

Trump said that if the Hormuz Strait were blocked, the impact on China would be much greater than on the United States. His point was that the Hormuz Strait is the main channel for China's oil imports. The U.S. is making great efforts to escort ships here, and the biggest beneficiary is you, China. You should be grateful.

Whether or not this view makes any sense is another matter. Trump brazenly praised himself, claiming that his relationship with China is very good, and he is going to China soon, so it's a "honor" for the U.S. to provide protection for China. The implication is clear: although the U.S. helped China, given our relationship, China doesn't need to thank us.

White House Press Secretary Levitt

Wow, from beginning to end, the U.S. took all the credit. But the question is, is the U.S. really "protecting others"? Does the U.S. use the oil in the Hormuz Strait? A fifth of global oil transportation goes through here, and the U.S. economy can't function without it.

Moreover, the U.S. attacking Iran, blockading the strait, and creating chaos is the root cause of the surge in oil prices. You lit the fire, and now it's burning someone else's house, yet you're crying out "the thief is calling the police." Additionally, does China rely on the Hormuz Strait? It does. But to what extent? Trump clearly didn't do his homework.

Oil tanker near the UAE coast

Over the past 20 years, China has significantly reduced its reliance on maritime oil transport and established a diversified energy import channel. In other words, even if the Hormuz Strait were truly closed, China could withstand it for a long time. Trump's claim that the stakes are much greater for China than for the U.S. is pure self-praise.

What's more ironic is that while Trump was confidently promoting the "honor" of the U.S. naval escort, the White House was openly undermining him. White House Press Secretary Levitt explicitly stated at a press conference that the U.S. Navy is currently not escorting any oil tankers or other vessels through the Hormuz Strait.

Iranian soldiers on patrol

As for why no action has been taken yet, insiders have also revealed that the U.S. military assessed the current risk of attack as high and refused to provide escort. Meanwhile, Iran hasn't been idle either, stating that Trump is just talking nonsense, and boldly saying that if they dare, they can try to pass through the Hormuz Strait, and they will definitely not let them through.

This "escort farce" in the Hormuz Strait has now become clear. Trump says he feels honored, but in reality, he hasn't even sent a single escort ship. He also uses China as a shield. China neither sends warships to join the commotion nor accepts Trump's "honor theory." It continues to call for ceasefire and to ensure energy security. After all, the "gift" that Trump has drawn up is one that China is simply not lucky enough to receive.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7615926533076632073/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.