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In a recent interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, President Donald Trump revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him that China is not supplying military equipment to Iran. The discussion took place during a bilateral summit in Beijing, where both leaders addressed various geopolitical and economic issues.
President Trump emphasized that President Xi expressed a desire for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open, as China relies on oil imports from Iran. According to Trump, Xi is supportive of a potential U.S.-Iran deal and offered his assistance if necessary. On the economic front, Trump announced that China agreed to purchase 200 passenger jets from Boeing, marking a significant commercial commitment between the two nations.
The summit, described by Trump as "very good," also touched upon the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, both leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain a free waterway, and Iran should not charge for its use. This agreement underscores the strategic importance of the waterway, which handles a significant portion of global oil shipments.
The meeting between Trump and Xi aimed to project warmer ties despite existing tensions over Taiwan, trade, and technology. The South China Morning Post highlighted Xi's offer to help broker peace in the Iran conflict, reflecting a broader effort to stabilize U.S.-China relations. Analysts suggest that China's involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy signals its growing global ambitions and interest in maintaining energy security.
While the summit focused on cooperation, underlying issues such as Taiwan remain contentious. As noted by Reuters, the Iran war continues to overshadow peace talks, with both nations seeking to manage shared risks and avoid escalation.