The Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Why China Will Not Play Trump's Game | Silk and Steel

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 Hormuz • The real strategic importance of the Persian Gulf • US naval dominance versus economic realities • China's changing energy security • Iran, Russia, and the new geopolitical landscape • Maritime trade and global supply chains • Financial power versus industrial power • The future of US-China competition • AI, technology, and economic statecraft • What multipolarity actually looks like ► Join UK Column Live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1pm UK time or watch previous live recordings ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ► [UK Column Website] Explore all our written and video content on the official ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK Column website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ► [Support UK Column] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to support our independent journalism & investigative journalism ► [UK Column YouTube] Please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to the UK Column News YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more alternative news and independent newsFollow #UKColumn on:► ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠► ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Telegram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠► ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ►⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram