CNN: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The US has negotiated\u00a0a fragile ceasefire<\/a>\u00a0that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Asian allies that depend on the waterway are already being forced to rely\u00a0<\/strong>on others for energy security\u2013 to the benefit of America\u2019s top adversaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the initial airstrikes by the US and Israel in February, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world\u2019s oil flows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Allies in Europe and Asia were not informed in advance of the war or asked to take part from the outset. Nonetheless as the price of crude oil surged, US President Donald Trump lambasted other nations<\/a> for not sending military support and said those that need it should \u201ctake the lead\u201d and \u201cgo get your own oil.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They now seem to be heeding his words, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, whose economies suddenly lost their biggest source<\/a> of energy imports and have been hit first by the historic global oil crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n US allies Japan, Thailand, South Korea and the Philippines have looked to broker deals with Iran to ensure the safe delivery of oil and natural gas. Asian countries are also buying up more natural resources from US rival Russia, while China has signaled its willingness to help alleviate fuel shortages and deepen energy collaboration with nearby economies such as Australia, the Philippines, and even Taiwan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Tuesday, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire under the condition that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened, providing a reprieve from climbing crude prices. However, the material impact of the agreement remained unclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n