U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to place the Iran war at the center of discussions during a summit in Beijing on May 14 and 15, as the conflict deepens tensions between Washington and Beijing and reshapes broader strategic calculations between the two powers.
The meeting will mark the first visit by a U.S. president to China in nearly a decade, following Trump’s previous trip in 2017.
The summit comes amid rising global oil and gas prices, renewed disputes over trade and sanctions, and growing concerns over shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the two leaders would discuss the Iran war and called on China to “join us in this international operation” aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
China has reportedly worked behind the scenes to encourage Iran to engage in peace talks with the United States in Pakistan last month, though analysts say Beijing is unlikely to act solely in line with Washington’s demands.
Following a recent visit to Beijing by Iran’s foreign minister, China called for a “complete cessation of hostilities.”
Beijing also reiterated support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities while acknowledging Iran’s stated commitment not to develop nuclear weapons.
The United States continues to push for Iran to halt uranium enrichment for 20 years and surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
The war has intensified concerns over China’s energy security, with around half of its crude oil imports arriving from the Middle East.
Chinese customs data showed the country’s crude oil imports in April fell 20% from a year earlier to their lowest level in almost four years.
China has criticized the U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it harms international interests, and confirmed that a tanker with Chinese crew members was attacked in the area.
At the same time, Washington has increased pressure on Chinese companies over Iranian oil purchases and alleged weapons-related cooperation with Tehran.
The U.S. Treasury recently sanctioned Chinese refinery Hengli Petrochemical and several China- and Hong Kong-based companies accused of supporting Iran’s military procurement efforts.
China condemned the sanctions as “illegal and unilateral” and said it would protect the rights of Chinese firms.