Trump to confront Xi over China's approach to war in Iran

US President Donald Trump heads to China this week. But this time the shadow of Iran looms over nearly every major discussion. Behind the elaborate ceremonies planned in Beijing, Trump is expected to press Chinese President Xi Jinping to use Beijing’s influence over Tehran as Washington struggles to force an end to the war that has destabilised the Gulf and rattled global markets, according to news agency Reuters.

The two-day visit, Trump’s first trip to China since returning to office, comes at a delicate moment in US-China relations. The world’s two largest economies are trying to steady ties amid confrontations over tariffs, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and critical minerals. But senior US officials made clear ahead of the trip that Iran will sit near the top of Trump’s agenda.

Trump’s visit is scheduled for May 14-15. He will arrive in Beijing after postponing the trip earlier this year because of the Iran war. The visit will include a formal welcome ceremony, bilateral talks, a state banquet and a tour of the historic Temple of Heaven.

TRUMP SET TO PRESS XI OVER IRAN

White House officials described the visit as both symbolic and strategic. "This will be a visit of tremendous symbolic significance," Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told reporters.

"But of course, President Trump never travels for symbolism alone. The American people can expect the president to deliver more good deals on behalf of our country," she added.

Behind the pageantry, however, administration officials said Trump intends to directly confront Xi over China’s ties with Iran and Russia.

"I would expect the president to apply pressure" over Iran, one senior administration official told AFP.

The official said Trump had repeatedly raised issues with Xi about Chinese purchases of Iranian oil and the sale of dual-use goods that he believes could support military operations. "The president has spoken multiple times with General Secretary Xi Jinping about the topic of Iran and about the topic of Russia, to include the revenue that China provides to both those regimes," the official said.

US-CHINA TRADE CHANNELS SET FOR EXPANSION

Even as geopolitical tensions dominate the backdrop, both sides are also expected to push for economic stability. US officials said Washington and Beijing may announce new trade and investment forums designed to improve commercial ties. The discussions are also expected to include a possible extension of the trade truce reached last year that allowed rare earth minerals and other critical supplies to continue flowing from China to the United States.

One official suggested both governments remain cautious about publicly committing to an extension during this visit.

"It’s not clear yet if that’s going to be extended now, or something to be extended later," the official said. "I think what both sides want is stability."

China is also expected to announce purchases involving Boeing aircraft, American agriculture products and energy supplies as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions between the two economies.

Xi and his wife are expected to make a reciprocal visit to Washington later this year.

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With inputs from agencies