WASHINGTON, May 12: US President Donald Trump is heading to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid rising tensions over the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington has urged Beijing to use its influence over Iran, a major recipient of Chinese oil imports, to help end the conflict or reopen the vital shipping route. However, US officials have set low expectations for any breakthrough on Iran.
Instead, the White House aims to keep the summit focused on broader issues such as trade relations and cooperation on restricting fentanyl precursor exports. Both sides appear keen to prevent disagreements over Iran from derailing wider diplomatic progress.
China has publicly called for an end to the conflict but has avoided deep involvement, maintaining a cautious, risk-averse approach. It has also criticised US sanctions on Chinese firms accused of aiding Iran and introduced measures to resist compliance with such sanctions. Beijing has simultaneously engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomacy while defending Iran’s right to civilian nuclear energy.
Analysts say both leaders have incentives to contain tensions: the US wants stability in trade ties, while China depends heavily on Middle Eastern energy flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite sharp differences, both sides are trying to prevent the Iran crisis from overshadowing broader strategic and economic discussions at the summit. (AP)
