Trump’s Iran Sanctions Test Whether US or China Will Blink First
Donald Trump's threat to punish Iran is putting both China and the U.S. in a tough spot ahead of Xi's visit.
President Donald Trump's recent economic sanctions against Iran have raised questions about whether the United States or China will be the first to back down. China, Iran's largest trade partner and buyer of over 95% of its crude oil, has warned the U.S. not to harm its financial interests in Tehran. The threat of economic war and maximum pressure, as described by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, could escalate tensions and disrupt the global economic and financial order.
Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to the U.S. is seen as a test of Beijing's loyalty to Tehran and an opportunity to preserve stability with Washington ahead of his high-profile visit. China's willingness to cooperate with Iran within international law and avoid disruption is emphasized by a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.
The U.S. desire for better trade terms with China, including increased access for American companies, remains a priority, but must not be used as a tool for U.S. propaganda. China's significant role in cushioning the global energy crisis by maintaining its domestic crude oil stockpile has prevented a prolonged spike in oil prices.
The White House has acknowledged this fact through waivers that exempt Iran's oil exports from the U.S. blockade. As Xi Jinping prepares to visit the U.S. in less than 30 days, he will focus on highly choreographed and politically symbolic meetings with Trump, marking a shift in public opinion as China is now more popular than the U.S. according to a Pew Research Center survey.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
