China seeks 'more stability' as it confirms Trump’s visit

BEIJING, May 11: Beijing said on Monday it was ready to work with the United States in pursuit of "more stability" and confirmed that Donald Trump will visit China this week, the first US president to do so since 2017.

Washington and Beijing have been at loggerheads over key issues ranging from trade tariffs to the Middle East war and Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.

Reuters adds, the Iran war has strained US-Chinese ties further and looks set to dominate the May 14 to 15 summit between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart and host Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Below are the key issues at stake for Washington and Beijing as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran reshapes calculations in their broader relationship:
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said that the two presidents will discuss the Iran war, and urged China to "join us in this international operation" to open the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

But while Beijing worked behind the scenes to convince Iran to hold peace talks with the US in Pakistan last month, analysts say it would not act solely at Washington's behest.

After last week's visit to Beijing by Iran's foreign minister, China called for a "complete cessation of hostilities".
On the nuclear issue, it said that "China appreciates Iran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, while also recognizing Iran's legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy."

China's energy security faces increasing risks as the war drags on, forcing Beijing to cut its lucrative exports of refined products such as gasoline or jet fuel to protect its domestic market.

Around half of China's crude oil imports are shipped from the Middle East, where the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and US blockade have left ships stranded inside the Gulf and vulnerable to attacks.

The conflict slashed China's total crude oil imports in April by 20% from a year ago to the lowest level in almost four years, according to Chinese customs data.

China's foreign ministry has said the US blockade of the strait does not serve the common interest of the international community. It also confirmed last week that an oil products tanker with Chinese crew was attacked in the strait.
    
China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil despite pressure from the Trump administration.

In Louisiana, a US Army veteran is holding on to hope ahead of President Donald Trump's meeting with China's Xi Jinping this week.     �"AGENCIES