BEIJING: US President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with the ongoing Iran war emerging as a major topic in an already complex relationship marked by strategic rivalry and economic cooperation.
According to international media reports, US officials believe China should play a greater role in pressuring Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, amid growing concerns over disruptions to global oil supplies and maritime trade.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the security of the Strait of Hormuz has become a key international concern due to its importance for global energy markets.
Analysts say Beijing could use the crisis as leverage in its broader negotiations with Washington. Experts believe any Chinese assistance in resolving the Hormuz situation may come with demands for political concessions from the United States.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Inderjit Parmar, professor of international politics at City St George’s University in London, said China could seek assurances from Washington regarding the Taiwan issue in return for pressuring Iran.
According to Parmar, Beijing may demand that the United States oppose Taiwan’s independence as part of any broader understanding linked to efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Observers say the Trump-Xi summit could prove critical not only for US-China relations but also for the future of regional stability, energy security, and the balance of power across Asia and the Middle East.
