President Donald Trump said this week that China has agreed not to provide weapons to Iran, even as reports have suggested Beijing was considering sending new air defense systems to Tehran.
Speaking publicly and in posts on Truth Social, Trump portrayed the development as a sign of cooperation between Washington and Beijing ahead of an expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, per the New York Post.
“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also — And the World,” Trump wrote. “This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran.”
He also struck a lighter tone about his upcoming visit, adding, “President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks.”
The two leaders are scheduled to meet in Beijing in mid-May, after earlier plans were delayed due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Trump also said Xi is “very happy” with his actions related to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.
China relies heavily on that route, with a large portion of its crude imports moving through the strait each year.
The comments come amid conflicting signals between the two countries.
While Trump described cooperation, Chinese officials recently criticized U.S. actions in the region.
A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry warned that moves affecting the strait could worsen tensions.
“Such actions will only intensify contradictions, exacerbate tensions, undermine the already fragile ceasefire, and further jeopardize the security of navigation through the strait,” spokesperson Guo Jiakun said. “This is dangerous and irresponsible behavior.”
The dispute follows reports that U.S. intelligence believed China was preparing to send shoulder-fired missile systems to Iran, a claim Beijing has denied.
Trump ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, framing it as a pressure tactic after Iran imposed tolls and allowed its own vessels to pass through.
Some observers suggested the move was also intended to push China to influence Iran’s actions in the region.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions have faced challenges.
Vice President JD Vance recently led a delegation to talks with Iranian officials in Pakistan, but the discussions did not produce a broader agreement.
Trump has emphasized that a key objective remains securing concessions from Iran regarding its nuclear program.
In a recent interview, he said the conflict involving Iran is “very close to over.”
The upcoming meeting in Beijing will mark a significant moment in U.S.-China relations, as both sides navigate tensions tied to the Middle East and broader geopolitical concerns.
