Can the United States charge China for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open?
In this episode of the Silk & Steel Podcast, Carl Zha welcomes back Dr. Warwick Powell to examine one of the most consequential geopolitical developments of 2026.
Following the conflict with Iran, President Trump suggests that China should pay the United States to maintain freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. But does that argument hold up economically, legally, or strategically?
Carl and Warwick unpack the broader implications for global trade, energy security, US naval power, China’s evolving economic resilience, and the balance of power in an increasingly multipolar world.
The discussion also explores how financial sanctions, maritime security, industrial policy, AI competition, and supply chain realignment reshape international politics beyond traditional military power.
Whether you’re interested in China, international relations, global economics, or great-power competition, this conversation provides a thoughtful analysis on forces that reshape the world order.
Topics Covered
• Why Trump says China should pay for the Strait of HormuzÂ
• The real strategic importance of the Persian GulfÂ
• US naval dominance versus economic realitiesÂ
• China’s changing energy securityÂ
• Iran, Russia, and the new geopolitical landscapeÂ
• Maritime trade and global supply chainsÂ
• Financial power versus industrial powerÂ
• The future of US-China competitionÂ
• AI, technology, and economic statecraftÂ
• What multipolarity actually looks likeÂ