Beijing: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing today to reaffirm the strong relationship between the two countries. This meeting comes shortly before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China to meet with President Xi Jinping.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Araghi's visit marks his first trip to China since the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has had the most severe impact on global oil supply in history and undermined China's energy security as the world's largest crude oil importer. Earlier in the same week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Basen urged China to intensify diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
Mr. Bescent stated that Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi will exchange views on the issue of Iran in person during their discussions in Beijing on May 14-15. However, the U.S. Treasury Secretary emphasized that the two leaders will strive to maintain smooth relations between the U.S. and China following the trade truce agreed last October, and urged China to participate in international efforts to reopen shipping lanes in the strait, although he did not specify what actions the Chinese government should take. Furthermore, Mr. Bescent added that China and Russia should cease obstructing UN initiatives, including a draft resolution promoting safeguards for commercial shipping in the strait.
Earlier this week, the United States and Iran launched a new offensive in the Persian Gulf as both sides vied for control of the Strait of Hormuz through a sea blockade, eroding the already fragile ceasefire. Later, President Trump stated that the US Navy would assist ships in navigating the strait, but this operation was suspended after the US president revealed on Tuesday that significant progress had been made toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. The Iranian government has yet to respond.