Why, on the eve of Trump and Xi’s meeting, is China not inclined to pressure the Iranian government?

🔸On the eve of an important meeting between the leaders of the United States and China at the White House, scheduled for October 2, Beijing is apparently trying to highlight its influence over Iran so that it has more leverage in negotiations with its main geopolitical rival.

🔸However, there is little expectation that the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Washington will lead to any major breakthrough regarding Iran.

🔸Trump has shown that, in this meeting, he will focus mainly on economic results. The leader of China has also taken a similar approach by forming a delegation of senior executives from major companies.

🔸But Beijing’s diplomatic moves ahead of the summit could be noteworthy. On September 25, Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, met with Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s foreign minister, in Beijing. This was the fourth dialogue between the two ministers in the past three months.

🔸In this meeting, Wang said that China does not want to “see regional tensions spill over into Yemen and the Red Sea.” At the same time, he described Iran and China as “comprehensive strategic partners”—a relationship that is asymmetrical, with the balance of power tipping in Beijing’s favor.

🔸China is Iran’s largest trading partner, and based on data from the market analysis company Kpler, more than 80% of Iran’s seaborne oil exports are destined for China. In contrast, according to official figures from Beijing, Iran accounts for only about one percent of China’s total foreign trade.

🔸China’s foreign minister said Beijing is “also willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Iran and protect Iran’s rights and legitimate interests.”

🔸He also urged “all parties” to take steps for the quick “reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz; a waterway that, before the Iran–U.S. war, carried about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. But Wang did not directly put pressure on Iran, nor did he offer a specific mediation plan.

🔸Read the full report on Radio Farda’s website.