{
  "id": 4728174,
  "title": "Trump praises China for remaining ‘relatively inactive’ during Strait of Hormuz crisis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/trump-praises-china-for-remaining-relatively-inactive-during-strait",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T22:32:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3365904/trump-praises-china-remaining-relatively-inactive-during-strait-hormuz-crisis"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Monday, US President Donald Trump commended China for its relative inactivity during the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to Washington. Trump stated, \"Even with the Strait of Hormuz, he’s relatively inactive,\" in response to a reporter's question about Xi's potential visit. He expressed his anticipation for Xi's visit, noting their longstanding positive relationship. Trump affirmed his respect for the Chinese leader, believing the feeling was mutual. He also acknowledged that President Xi had not respected the United States in recent years, laughing at the country.\n\nMeanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that Chinese banks might not face secondary sanctions under the administration's \"Economic D-Day\" strategy. Bessent rejected the notion that China's involvement could make the US unable to implement sanctions, stating, \"You can.\" This response suggests a shift in policy, contrasting with previous threats of sanctions on Chinese banks due to their commercial ties with Iranian entities.\n\nThe administration's decision to potentially target Chinese banks underscores the sensitivity of the issue, especially with Xi's impending visit to the US. Last week, Trump hinted at the possibility of sanctions against Chinese lenders, responding to a question by asserting, \"Who said I’m not? Well, I don’t have to announce everything, do I?\" The Treasury Secretary stressed the administration's commitment to imposing sanctions on 60 entities and individuals worldwide, including Chinese entities, demanding immediate action from countries trading with Iran.\n\nChina's embassy in Washington defended Beijing against \"illicit unilateral sanctions,\" vowing to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses. China is the primary importer of Iranian oil, accounting for over 80% of Tehran's oil exports in 2025, according to Kpler data. The US-China Economic and Security Commission had previously accused China of facilitating Iranian circumvention of global sanctions through trade, financial networks, technology transfers, and dual-use goods. However, China has denied these allegations.\n\nThe US measures are part of a broader effort to exert economic pressure on Iran following military strikes and diplomatic negotiations that failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or end the six-month conflict. Trump appeared uncertain about the continuation of US military strikes against Iran, stating, \"That doesn’t mean we won’t smack them. We’ll see what happens.\" He ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, dismissing the suggestion as a \"stupid question,\" emphasizing the country's weakened military status.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [
    "US President Trump praised China for relative inactivity during Strait of Hormuz crisis.",
    "Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified Chinese banks would not face secondary sanctions.",
    "China's embassy in Washington defended against illicit unilateral sanctions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Reuters Business via SCMP",
        "title": "Trump praises China for remaining ‘relatively inactive’ during Strait of Hormuz crisis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/trump-praises-china-for-remaining-relatively-inactive-during-strait-4732792",
        "published": "2026-08-31T22:32:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}