US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping was committed to helping end the Iran conflict and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how tensions in the Middle East have intertwined with Washington’s and Beijing’s broader efforts to maintain relations.
In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity scheduled to air Thursday evening in the United States, Trump said Xi had expressed his personal willingness to help amid growing concern over disruptions in one of the world’s most important oil transportation routes.
“President Xi would like to see a deal done,” Trump said. “He volunteered, he said ‘if I can be of any help, I’d like to be of help.’
The remarks came as Trump and Xi tried to show better relations on the first day of their summit in Beijing, with both sides stressing cooperation despite continued tensions over Taiwan, trade and technology.
Trump said he invited Xi to visit the White House on September 24, signaling efforts to maintain high-level relations between the two nations.
