WASHINGTON — In a recent statement, President Trump announced that China has committed not to provide weapons to Iran, even as speculation swirls about China’s potential plans to supply Tehran with advanced air defense systems. Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, predicting that Xi “will give me a big, fat hug” during their encounter next month.
On Wednesday, Trump asserted that Xi is pleased with his initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This comes on the heels of criticism from Chinese officials who labeled Trump’s blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible.”
“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump declared on Truth Social. “I am doing it for them, also — and the World.” He emphasized that this situation is unprecedented and noted China’s agreement not to arm Iran.
Trump went on to say, “President Xi will give me a big, fat hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting??? BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to – far better than anyone else!!!”
The meeting between Trump and Xi is scheduled to take place in Beijing on May 14-15.
This meeting was postponed due to ongoing conflict in Iran.
China notably gets roughly 45-50% of its crude imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Over a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil traverses the Strait of Hormuz annually.
Meanwhile, multiple reports have indicated that US intelligence believes China has been preparing to send MANPADs, which are shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems, to Iran to help it defend against potential American attacks.
The president claimed on Fox News Business’ “Mornings with Maria” that Xi wrote him a letter about not sending weapons.
“I wrote him a letter asking him [Xi] not to do that [send Iran weapons], and he wrote me a letter saying that essentially he’s not doing that,” Trump said in a pre-taped interview.
“Look, there’s never been anybody tougher in China than me. But I also have a good relationship with President Xi, and that’s a good thing,” the president added at another point.
Trump also downplayed a question about China mounting a cyber attack against the US, saying, “I’ll address things, but it is what it is; China is China.”
On Tuesday, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, announced that “a blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented.”
Trump had ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend in response to Iran demanding tolls and allowing its vessels to get through. The blockade was intended to be a pressure campaign to get Iran to stop.
Some observers assessed that Trump was also trying to nudge China into getting Iran to back down on charging tolls and creating mayhem in the Strait of Hormuz. Beijing has publicly decried the blockade.
“Such actions will only intensify contradictions, exacerbate tensions, undermine the already fragile ceasefire, and further jeopardize the security of navigation through the strait,” Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Tuesday to reporters.
“This is dangerous and irresponsible behavior.”
Last week, Vice President JD Vance led a delegation to negotiate with an Iranian team in Islamabad, Pakistan, but ultimately the two sides failed to reach a broader peace deal. Trump publicly said that his top issue was getting concessions from Iran on its nuclear program.
During his interview with Maria Bartiromo, Trump said that the Iran war is “very close to over.”
Trump’s visit to Beijing next month will mark the first time a US president has set foot on Chinese soil in about nine years.
