US President Donald Trump is expected to face pressure from China to pursue a truce in the Middle East as he arrives in Beijing for a high-stakes meeting with President Xi Jinping amid escalating global tensions over trade and oil security.
The summit comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains at a near-standstill, rattling global energy markets and fuelling fears of worsening inflation and economic instability worldwide.
Kerry Brown, Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of the Lao China Institute, told Sunrise that China is uniquely positioned to try to ease tensions, having recently hosted Iran’s foreign minister and preparing to welcome Vladimir Putin shortly after Trump’s visit.
Brown said China is likely to encourage the United States to seek a truce, arguing the situation as it stands benefits nobody. He did, however, acknowledge that that is “probably not what Trump wants to hear”. He said Beijing would likely support a deal that allows America to step away from the conflict while still coming out strong and “on top”.
The Strait of Hormuz remains particularly significant for China, which sources an estimated 13 to 14 per cent of its oil imports from Iran. Brown said while China can live with the disruption for a while, it will not be sustainable long term.
Trump is accompanied in China by a large delegation of tech executives, including Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. Brown suggested China may offer concessions around tariffs and market access, allowing Trump to present himself domestically as a successful negotiator and helping to de-escalate global tensions.
