Donald Trump stated during his visit to China that the US does not require the Strait of Hormuz to be open, emphasizing that American military actions in the region benefit other nations. In an interview with Fox News, Trump expressed that the US is intervening in the strait for the sake of countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Furthermore, Trump mentioned that China wants the strait to remain open due to its significant oil purchases from the region. He noted that President Xi Jinping offered assistance in resolving issues related to the strait’s operation. Despite the ongoing closure of the strait, petrol and jet fuel prices in the US continue to rise.
After concluding his meetings with Xi Jinping, Trump left Beijing onboard Air Force One. The visit included various events such as a state banquet, official discussions, and a tour of Zhongnanhai. Trump highlighted the importance of the US-China talks, mentioning that trade discussions were more substantial than previous agreements.
In addition, Trump praised Xi as a warm yet business-focused leader, emphasizing the strong relationship between the two nations. The US President also addressed China’s stance on Iran, indicating Xi’s commitment to not providing military equipment to Iran while maintaining oil trade relations.
Regarding Taiwan, Xi Jinping warned of potential clashes between the US and China over the issue. Despite differences on various topics, both leaders engaged in constructive dialogues during the summit. The US remains firm in its position regarding Taiwan, as reiterated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The discussions between Trump and Xi covered a wide range of topics, including the Strait of Hormuz, trade agreements, and regional stability. The meeting highlighted the complexities and challenges in the relationship between the two global powers.