Trump Says Xi Offered Help on Iran as China Seeks to Keep Hormuz Open
After the Beijing summit, Donald Trump said Xi Jinping offered help on the Iran file, with China stressing its interest in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The strait carries about one-fifth of global oil flows.
Speaking to reporters after the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping told him he "wants to help" on Iran. According to SCMP, Trump said Xi stressed that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is critical for the global economy. With much of China's oil import flow coming from the Gulf, Beijing's motivation is clear.
In his meeting with Trump, Xi said the United States and China should "share responsibility" for regional stability despite their differences. Chinese officials hinted that diplomatic channels with Tehran remain open and that Beijing could offer to mediate if needed. China's official readout, however, did not include the phrase "offer of help" used by Trump.
The Strait of Hormuz has been under close watch amid heightened Israel-Iran tensions in recent weeks. The United States and the United Kingdom have deployed warships to secure transit. China's increased diplomatic contacts with Gulf states raise questions about whether Beijing will take a more active mediating role.
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