US President Donald Trump is expected to press Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Iran during their upcoming summit in Beijing, with senior US officials emphasising Washington’s concerns over China’s economic and technological ties with Tehran.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on the evening of 13 May and will meet with Xi on 14 and 15 May before leaving China, White House deputy press secretary Anne Kelly said during a press conference announcing the trip.
During the phone call, a senior administration official noted that Trump and Xi had previously discussed the Iran issue “repeatedly” and that the topic would again feature prominently during the meetings.
“The (US) president has spoken with General Secretary Xi Jinping on numerous occasions on the topic of Iran,” the official said, adding that Washington remains concerned about “the revenue China provides” to Tehran, as well as the transfer of dual-use goods, industrial components and the possibility of arms exports.
The official said recent U.S. sanctions targeting Iran-related activities are likely to be part of Beijing’s discussions.
Asked whether Trump would seek additional Chinese pressure on Tehran amid unresolved nuclear talks, the official said the president has raised the issue before and is expected to do so again during the summit, “I expect the president to apply pressure.”
The White House also rejected the suggestion that tensions over Iran should prevent Trump from visiting China. “I don’t think he has the luxury of focusing on just one issue for weeks on end,” one senior official said.
The official noted that the administration postponed the trip about six weeks ago during what was described as a more active phase of the situation with Iran, but said circumstances have changed since then and the White House is now preparing the visit.
I think the question should be, why doesn’t he go on this trip now?” the official said.
Beijing has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will be in China from 13-15 May. According to the press service of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Trump will make this state visit at the invitation of Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Trump will press Xi on Iran during Beijing meeting – US official