Trump heads to Beijing for talks with Xi as Iran war looms
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing to meet President Xi Jinping after weeks of unsuccessful attempts to persuade China to pressure Iran into ending the two-month war or reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- The White House has set low expectations for the visit regarding Iran, focusing instead on maintaining progress in broader U.S.-China relations, including trade and cooperation on blocking fentanyl precursor exports.
- The U.S. recently sanctioned Chinese firms for aiding Iran’s military capabilities and oil purchases, actions Beijing condemned as illegal and countered with a blocking statute preventing compliance.
- China, while supporting Iran diplomatically and defending its nuclear rights, remains cautious about deeper involvement in the conflict, prioritizing stability in its relationship with the U.S. and safeguarding its energy imports.
- Both leaders aim to avoid escalating tensions into a trade war, with Trump downplaying differences over Iran and Xi emphasizing adherence to international law, reflecting mutual interest in preserving economic stability.