**China in a Tight Spot as Trump Links Visit to Gulf Crises** China, the country with the biggest appetite for oil from the Gulf region, is in a delicate situation. As the world's largest buyer of oil from the Gulf, China relies heavily on stable energy routes to keep its economy running smoothly. However, its long-standing tradition of non-interference in international diplomacy is being put to the test. US President Donald Trump has announced that he will visit China later this month, a move that holds significant strategic importance. But Trump has tied his visit to China's cooperation in resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that connects the Gulf to the rest of the world. About 20% of the world's oil supply passes through this waterway, making it a critical artery for global energy security. Trump's statement is seen as a pressure tactic to get China to join the US-led efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. He wants China, as one of the key beneficiaries of the Strait, to send warships to the region to help maintain stability. However, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pushed back against Trump's demands, calling for de-escalation in the Middle East and stressing the importance of head-of-state diplomacy. As Nigeria, a major oil producer, knows too well, the disruption of energy supplies can have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. With oil prices already surging past $100 per barrel, the Strait of Hormuz crisis is a major concern for China, the US, and other countries that rely on Gulf oil. China's decision to host Trump despite the controversy surrounding the Strait of Hormuz reflects the country's desire to maintain good relations with the US. However, it also underscores the challenges China faces in balancing its economic interests with its diplomatic traditions. As the world watches, China must navigate this complex situation carefully to avoid being seen as yielding to US pressure.