The Real Winner of the Iran War Is China | Dr. Warwick Powell Explains

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 suggested that China should pay the United States for maintaining 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 changing 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 are reshaping 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 of the forces reshaping 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 Why This Matters The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of the world's oil exports. Any disruption affects energy prices, inflation, and global commerce. But beneath the headlines lies a deeper question: Is the United States still able to shape the global economic order the way it once did—or are we entering a fundamentally different era? Dr. Warwick Powell offers a nuanced perspective on the economic and geopolitical shifts that many mainstream discussions overlook. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Trump's proposal that China should pay for Hormuz security 08:30 Why global trade doesn't work like a business transaction 18:00 America's changing strategic position 28:00 China's energy resilience and industrial capacity 39:00 Iran, Russia, and shifting alliances 49:00 Maritime power and the future world order 58:00 AI, technology, and economic competition 1:08:00 Final thoughts #China #Trump #Geopolitics #Iran You can follow Carl Zha on Twitter: https://x.com/CarlZha you'd like to support the channel / 如果你想支持我的频道: ☕ Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carlzha8 🅿️ Patreon:   / silknsteel   💳 PAYPAL DONATIONS: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CarlZha 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/63489760...