Ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, officials from the White House have stated that Trump may pressure China regarding Iran, in order to encourage Beijing to use its influence to help stabilize the region.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said that President Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing late Wednesday and will formally meet his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on Thursday.
She added: “President Trump will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday and will meet his Chinese counterpart on Thursday. After that, he will attend a program that also includes a visit to the Temple of Heaven.”
Ahead of Trump’s visit to China, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week accused China of financially supporting Iran.
He said Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, and China is its major financial supporter by purchasing 90 percent of Iran’s energy exports.
Part of the U.S. Treasury Secretary’s statement said: “Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism in the world, and China buys 90 percent of Iran’s energy. In this way, China is financially supporting a major sponsor of terrorism.”
Key issues on Trump’s agenda during this visit reportedly include the Iran conflict and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The president is also expected to seek China’s influence in helping stabilize the Middle East and ensuring the safe flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
Before this visit, senior officials from China and the United States met in Paris in March to prepare for a meeting between the leaders of the two countries.
Prior to Trump’s planned visit, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also traveled to Beijing, highlighting China’s role as a mediator.
