China and UK Respond to Trump's Call for Naval Deployment to Strait of Hormuz

Beijing and London have issued their responses to a call from US President Donald Trump, who on Saturday expressed hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and other nations would send naval forces to the Middle East to secure shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

In statements following the request, none of the countries confirmed whether they would dispatch warships to the strategic waterway.

A Chinese diplomat stated that Beijing is prepared to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions. "As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, China will continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including those involved in the conflict, and will play a constructive role in de-escalation and restoring peace," read an official statement.

A representative from the Chinese embassy in Washington further emphasized that Beijing calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region. The official stressed that "all parties bear responsibility for ensuring stable and unimpeded energy supplies."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence indicated that Britain is engaged in discussions with its allies. The country is "currently discussing with its allies and partners a number of options for ensuring security of shipping in the region," according to the statement.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for energy shipments from Persian Gulf nations. Prior to the joint US-Israel military operation against Iran, approximately one-third of globally traded oil passed through this route. A significant portion of these supplies was destined for markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Maritime traffic through the strait has been severely disrupted due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.