Nournews: The meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People and the consecutive sessions over the past two days of the leaders of the world’s two major powers have been the focus of many reports, analyses, and international media coverage.

At the end of the trip, Trump stated that “a series of important trade and industrial agreements were signed and numerous issues resolved” during talks with the Chinese president. He added that U.S.-China relations are “very important” and that Washington is ready to continue engagement and hold the next meeting with Xi Jinping in Washington.

Meanwhile, on the final day of the visit, Xi Jinping pledged that China and the U.S. could accelerate global development by strengthening cooperation. Emphasizing China’s national revival, he said, “Trump seeks to restore America’s greatness, and China’s policy is guiding its people toward national rejuvenation.”

However, in the official public statements, China refrained from playing a more active role in resolving the Iran crisis, merely calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations.

China’s Position on the Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Support for Diplomacy

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement coinciding with the end of the visit, said, “This war should never have started” and noted that a rapid resolution of the crisis would benefit Iran, the United States, the region, and the world.

He emphasized that Beijing is ready to cooperate with all parties to ensure global energy security and stability of supply chains. This stance repeated Xi Jinping’s earlier message that the solution to the Iran crisis lies in dialogue and negotiation, not in the use of force. International media reports, including Al Jazeera, also noted that Trump’s talks with the Chinese yielded “nothing on paper indicating that Beijing would take action regarding Iran.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement was issued as Trump sought to encourage China to use its influence over Tehran to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, even proposing participation in a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Yet, by the time he left Beijing, no tangible progress had been made.

China’s Warning to Trump on Taiwan
One of the most important topics during Trump and Xi Jinping’s meetings was Taiwan—a longstanding point of contention between the U.S. and China. Chinese leaders have repeatedly warned that this dispute could lead to military conflict. Xi Jinping emphasized this issue during the talks, stating that Taiwan is the most important matter in U.S.-China relations, and mismanagement could lead to conflict, putting the entire bilateral relationship at serious risk. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes U.S. intervention via arms sales to the island.
Trump, aware of China’s sensitivity on Taiwan, responded to a journalist on the return trip, when asked if he would defend Taiwan in a war with China: he confirmed that he was the only one who could answer that question, noting that Xi Jinping had asked him the same question during their talks. He added, “I did not speak on the matter.”

Promise to Lift Sanctions on Chinese Oil Companies

Although Trump’s trip appeared diplomatic, economic media described it as a “crisis and war management session.” Some analysts believe that lifting sanctions on Chinese companies buying Iranian oil could be one of the trip’s major achievements. On his return, Trump somewhat confirmed this, stating, “I am considering lifting sanctions on Chinese oil companies purchasing Iranian oil and will make a decision soon.” He also claimed, “I did not request anything from the Chinese president regarding Iran, nor did I ask him to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.”

These statements come as more than 1,500 ships are waiting for passage, and global oil and product markets are in turmoil. Brent crude prices recently ranged between $100 and $114 per barrel, with fuel and bitumen also rising in Persian Gulf and Singapore markets. The main cause of this volatility is concern over failed political talks and the potential prolonged closure of maritime routes.
In China, the energy market has seen limited growth, but demand remains fragile due to high prices and weather conditions. Analysts say this shows unresolved tensions behind Trump’s departure from Beijing, particularly in energy and trade.

Global Media Coverage of the Trump-Xi Meeting
Coverage of Trump’s visit has been extensive. Euronews reported: the two leaders held a two-hour discussion at the Great Hall of the People, visited the Temple of Heaven, and had a joint formal dinner. On Friday, they walked in Zhongnanhai and attended a working lunch. Yet, China did not publicly indicate willingness to play a direct role in the Iran crisis.

Some agencies quoted the Chinese Foreign Ministry saying, “Using force will lead to deadlock,” emphasizing that negotiation is the only path to a lasting agreement. Al Jazeera’s analysis noted that the ministry’s stance toward the U.S. was “critical” and stressed that the war should end through dialogue, not escalation. The media also highlighted that Trump hopes Beijing could bring Iran to the negotiating table, but no concrete plan has emerged.

The New York Times pointed to the two major topics of Iran and Taiwan, stating that although Trump’s visit appeared friendly, severe tensions persisted behind the scenes. During the talks, the U.S. accused China of cyberattacks, AI technology theft, and aiding Iran, sanctioning several Chinese companies. China, in response, warned that the Taiwan issue could lead to confrontation and called for “strategic stability” and reduced U.S. pressure. Despite diplomatic smiles, reports show that competition over Taiwan, technology, sanctions, and global influence continues.

Meanwhile, an analysis from the Moscow Institute of International Relations by Pyotr Kortunov highlighted that the visit indicates the increasing role of Asian powers in Middle East dynamics. He argued that although China wields broad global economic influence, it cannot impose Washington’s unilateral demands on Tehran, serving primarily as a facilitator of dialogue.

Talks Conclude Without Final Agreements
Trump’s two-day visit to China, despite extensive media coverage and symbolic meetings, produced no concrete results regarding Iran. While trade agreements and joint statements on energy market stability were issued, the Middle East crisis and the Strait of Hormuz remain the central challenges in U.S.-China relations.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not confirm the trade agreements Trump announced during the trip. Beijing emphasized that dialogue must remain open, and a ceasefire should lay the groundwork for lasting peace. Washington viewed the visit as an opportunity to maintain communication channels. The Chinese spokesperson, without confirming or denying the trade deals, stressed the importance of the “consensus” reached between the leaders during Trump’s visit.

Previously, Trump had told Fox News that Xi Jinping had committed to multiple trade agreements with the U.S., including the purchase of 200 Boeing aircraft, U.S. oil, and agricultural products such as soybeans.
It seems that U.S.-China relations after this visit will continue along two parallel paths: economic and political competition on one side, and global attention on whether great-power dialogue can reduce tensions in the Persian Gulf and reopen energy routes.