Love in the time of blockades: Trump seeks a ‘fat hug’ from Xi amidst Hormuz howler

President Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz permanently open for China and the world, claiming Beijing assured him it would cease arms shipments to Iran. This announcement follows a naval blockade, causing global economic disruption. Trump’s unpredictable approach, blending military pressure with personal diplomacy, fuels speculation about escalation or de-escalation, while European allies consider greater defense autonomy.