15 April,2026 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Trump-Xi talks to focus on Iran and regional tensions. File Pic
US President Donald Trump said that China has agreed not to supply weapons to Iran. He stated that he received this assurance directly from Chinese President Xi Jinping through a personal exchange, according to the AFP.
"They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks," Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to his planned May 14-15 summit with Xi in Beijing, reported AFP.
Trump explained that he had written to Xi after hearing reports that China might be supplying weapons to Iran. He said, "I wrote him a letter asking him not to do that, and he wrote me a letter saying that essentially he's not doing that."
In an interview, Trump added that Xi had "essentially" promised that China would not deliver weapons to Iran, reported the news agency.
The development comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high. The situation has also affected relations between the United States and China.
China recently criticised the US for its actions in the region, calling the blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz "dangerous and irresponsible." At the same time, China said it would play a constructive role in promoting peace.
Trump, however, defended his actions, saying he was working to keep global trade routes open. He stated, "China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz."
China is Iran's largest trading partner and a major buyer of its oil. This makes the issue of weapons supply and regional stability especially important for global markets.
Trump was also asked about reports of a possible Chinese cyber attack on the FBI. While he did not confirm the claims, he acknowledged ongoing cyber activity between the two countries.
He said, "We do it to them. They do it to us." Despite these tensions, Trump maintained that relations with China are progressing saying, "China's China," he said. "They're never easy, but we're doing great with China," he added.
The upcoming Trump-Xi summit, which was earlier delayed, is expected to address several key issues, including trade, security and regional conflicts. Trump described himself as "the toughest person" on China, signalling that discussions may remain firm despite ongoing cooperation.
(With AFP Inputs)
