Trump Lands in Beijing While Iran War Still on the Table

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday. His arrival comes as the United States remains at war with Iran.

There is still no peace deal secured between Trump and Iran. Trump had delayed his trip to China earlier this year, expecting the conflict to be resolved within weeks.

Trade and technology are on the agenda, but so is Trump’s conflict with Iran. The US continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade and a pressure point for China, the largest consumer of Iranian oil.

CNN reported that Trump is expected to push Xi to use Beijing’s influence over Tehran to reopen the strait and agree to a ceasefire. He described the current ceasefire as on “massive life support.”

Travelling with the president are senior officials and more than a dozen business leaders, including Tim Cook and Elon Musk.

This is Trump’s first visit to China since 2017.

They were welcomed with a diplomatic ceremony replete with pomp and crowds waving both American and Chinese flags.

Official meetings between Trump and Xi are scheduled over the next couple of days.