US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping has not challenged the United States’ naval blockade around Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, expressing confidence in his personal relationship with the Chinese leader ahead of a planned meeting in Beijing later this month.
Trump says China has shown restraint
Responding to questions about his upcoming talks with Xi and the escalating Iran situation, Trump said he shares a strong relationship with the Chinese President and does not expect Beijing to confront US operations in the Gulf region.
“I have a very good relationship with President Xi,” Trump said, describing the Chinese leader as someone who has been “very respectful” regarding the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
China’s oil dependence on Hormuz highlighted
Trump noted that China receives a major share of its oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz, making stability in the region important for Beijing. He claimed that despite this dependence, China has not opposed the US-led blockade or naval operations.
“In all fairness, he gets like 60 per cent of his oil from Hormuz,” Trump said, adding that China had not challenged the American position and likely would not do so.
US claims blockade remains effective
The US President also asserted that the naval blockade around Iranian ports continues to function effectively without major resistance. According to Trump, no country has attempted to directly confront the operation so far.
“Nobody’s going to challenge the blockade,” he stated, while expressing optimism about the outcome of the mission.
Trump says Iran wants a deal
During the interaction, Trump claimed that Iran is seeking negotiations with Washington despite publicly denying direct engagement. He accused Tehran of sending mixed signals by privately communicating with the US while publicly distancing itself from such discussions.
Trump said Iranian officials had spoken respectfully in private conversations but later denied those interactions publicly, which he described as “playing games.”
Beijing meeting rescheduled after Iran tensions
Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing on May 14 and 15 for talks with Xi Jinping. The meeting had earlier been postponed due to ongoing US military operations involving Iran. Trump recently confirmed that the bilateral summit has now been rescheduled.
He also revealed plans to host Xi and his wife in Washington DC later this year as part of a reciprocal diplomatic visit.
Iran-China talks also expected this week
Meanwhile, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit China for discussions with Chinese officials on bilateral relations and regional developments. The visit comes at a time of rising geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States and key global powers.
The developments underscore the growing diplomatic and strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy corridor that remains at the centre of international tensions.
(With inputs from ANI)