Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington this week as Beijing increases diplomatic communication with both Washington and Tehran amid continuing concerns over the Iran war.
Xi is expected to visit the United States from September 23 to 25. His meeting with Trump comes as the US president considers whether to restart large-scale military strikes against Iran.
In an interview with Axios, Trump said he was facing a significant decision about the next phase of the conflict. The comments came a day after he said he hoped the war was moving toward an end.
“I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It’s a big decision. Anything could happen with me,” Trump said in the interview published Thursday.
Trump is also expected to meet leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week. Axios reported that Trump wants to consult regional allies before determining how the conflict will proceed.
China Intensifies Diplomatic Contacts
Beijing stepped up its diplomatic activity on Thursday, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaking with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The conversation came a day after Wang met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Wang and Rubio discussed preparations for the next phase of high-level exchanges between China and the United States and also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East.
During his meeting with Araghchi, Wang called on Iran and the United States to show restraint and return to substantive consultations. He also urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
China’s diplomatic efforts come as the conflict creates growing concerns over major shipping routes on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula, with potential implications for regional energy supplies and international commercial shipping.
Reuters also reported that Beijing has privately encouraged Iran to use its influence over Yemen’s Houthis. The request reportedly followed an appeal from Saudi Arabia for Chinese assistance. Iranian sources said Riyadh was concerned about Houthi advances near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the possible impact on oil exports and commercial shipping.
Beijing Encourages Talks Without Formally Offering Mediation
China appears to be seeking a role in encouraging communication between Washington and Tehran, particularly with Xi’s upcoming meeting with Trump.
However, Beijing has not formally presented itself as a mediator in the Iran-US conflict. Instead, Chinese officials have urged both sides to reduce tensions, restore a channel for negotiations and return to previous understandings, including the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
During Araghchi’s September 16 visit to Beijing, Wang called on Iran and the United States to “remain rational, exercise restraint” and “engage in substantive consultations.” He also said China was “ready to play a constructive role” in resolving disputes while protecting Iran’s “legitimate rights and interests.”
Beijing has additionally connected the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with efforts to reduce tensions and protect global energy security.
Israel Says Military Campaign Against Iran Continues
While China is calling for restraint and renewed talks, Israel has indicated that its military campaign against Iran is not yet finished.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel still had tasks to complete against Iran and its regional allies, while reiterating that Israel intended to bring down Iran’s regime.
“We have done most of the work, but there is still work to complete, and we will complete it,” Netanyahu said in remarks published Thursday.
Defence Minister Israel Katz also said Israel continued to have “important goals” to pursue against Iran and in other arenas. He said Israel would use “military force and political wisdom” to achieve those objectives.
Against this backdrop, Xi’s upcoming meeting with Trump comes as Beijing increases its diplomatic engagement with Washington and Tehran while also seeking to protect regional energy and shipping interests.