China and Iran Hold Talks Ahead of Trump Visit

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday, shortly before US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China and amid continuing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

It was Araqchi’s first trip to China since the start of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran in late February, which has caused turmoil in the global oil market and raised concerns over Beijing’s energy security. China is the largest importer of Iranian oil.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called on China in recent days to increase diplomatic pressure on Tehran and help restore international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss the crisis during talks in Beijing in mid-May.

The United States and Iran have clashed again in recent days over control of the strategic sea route. Trump later announced that the US Navy would help ships cross the strait, but temporarily suspended the operation after citing progress in negotiations with Tehran.

Analysts say Beijing is also avoiding sharp criticism of Washington in order not to jeopardize the upcoming summit between Trump and Xi.

(reuters, bak)