Iran looms large over Trump’s China visit, but breakthrough unlikely
Analysts say China is cautiously looking to de-escalate the US-Iran war while limiting its direct involvement.
WASHINGTON — As he looks to make progress on Iran during a closely watched summit in China, President Donald Trump is downplaying expectations of a breakthrough.
A delegation of US officials and CEOs arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening local time for Trump's first trip to the country in almost a decade. Before departing the White House on Tuesday, Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping would have a “long talk” on Iran, but that his help isn’t necessary to end the war, now in its third month.
"I don't think we need any help with Iran,” Trump said when asked about China’s support. “We'll win it one way or the other — peacefully or otherwise.”
A fragile ceasefire remains in effect, but negotiations over a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb Iran's nuclear program have stalled. The de facto Iranian closure of the critical waterway has driven up oil prices and rattled global markets, while Beijing has criticized the US Navy’s “dangerous” counter-blockade on Iranian ports, which Trump imposed after peace talks broke down in mid-April.
