According to Reuters, President Trump told reporters on his plane that the administration is in dialogue with Iran, but "I don't think they are ready to negotiate (for a ceasefire)." [Photo=Yonhap News]

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated China's responsibility regarding the safety of the Strait of Hormuz and even mentioned the possibility of postponing the US-China summit.

On the 15th (local time), President Trump urged in a roughly 8-minute phone interview with the British daily Financial Times, "China must play a role in maintaining the openness of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transport route, amidst the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel and Iran in the Middle East."

"China should also help. China imports about 90% of the oil that comes through the strait," he added.

He also stated regarding his plan to visit China between the end of this month and early April to attend a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, "Waiting for a summit would be too late," expressing his desire to know China's stance in advance.

"Two weeks is too long," he added, "and the meeting could be delayed if necessary."

It is unclear whether the summit's outcome will depend on China's participation, or if a delay is inevitable if the Iran conflict drags on.

President Trump also strongly pressured allies to participate.

In the interview, he warned that if the U.S. allies do not help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, NATO's future would be "very bleak."

"It is only natural for the beneficiaries of the strait to help prevent bad things from happening there," President Trump said. "If there is no response or a negative response, I think it will have a very negative impact on the future of NATO."

Previously, President Trump had urged major countries including South Korea, China, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom to dispatch naval vessels to ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz.

Furthermore, according to the Associated Press, President Trump stated to reporters aboard Air Force One, the presidential plane, that he had requested the participation of about seven countries in a joint operation to enhance security in the Strait of Hormuz.

"I am demanding that these countries step up and protect their territories," he said, "because it is their territory." However, President Trump did not disclose the specific list of countries.

Meanwhile, after President Trump posted a social media message requesting several countries, including South Korea, to dispatch naval vessels, the South Korean Presidential Office stated, "We are aware of the related content and are closely communicating between South Korea and the U.S."

According to Reuters, President Trump also said at a press conference held on Air Force One that the United States is in negotiations with Iran.

"But I don't think they are ready yet," President Trump said.