Trump and Xi appear intent on keeping deep differences over Iran war from overshadowing China summit

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on de-escalating the two-month Iran war while avoiding broader conflict. Despite Trump’s push for China to use its influence over Iran—its top oil buyer—to end hostilities or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Beijing has maintained a cautious, diplomatic stance. China publicly supports ending the war and has worked behind the scenes with ally Pakistan to broker peace talks, though it has also subtly criticized Iran for closing the Strait and the U.S. for its blockade. The White House has lowered expectations for progress on Iran, prioritizing other issues like trade and fentanyl precursor exports to prevent the conflict from derailing relations. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have intensified calls for China to reopen the Strait, which previously carried 20% of global crude oil. In response, the U.S. sanctioned four entities, including three China-based firms, for aiding Iranian military strikes against U.S. forces, cutting them off from the U.S. financial system. Beijing condemned the sanctions as illegal unilateral pressure, activating a 2021 blocking statute to prevent Chinese compliance. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi ahead of Trump’s visit, reaffirming support for Iran’s civilian nuclear energy development. Xi also criticized U.S. actions, warning against selective application of international law and a return to the ‘law of the jungle.’ Both leaders have incentives to avoid letting Iran overshadow their broader relationship. China relies on Iranian oil for nearly half its crude imports, while the U.S. seeks to prevent a tariff war resurgence. Trump downplayed differences, noting Xi’s stated preference for reopening the Strait, though analysts suggest neither side will force a resolution on the other. The summit reflects deep divisions over Iran, with China balancing its alliance with Iran against U.S. pressure, while the U.S. tests Beijing’s willingness to curb Iranian aggression. Economic and security tensions remain unresolved, but both sides appear determined to maintain dialogue on other fronts.