WANA (May 13) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing comes at a time when the recent war against Iran and its impact on global energy security have added a new dimension to the strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing. Analysts believe the crisis could overshadow the main objectives of the trip and turn the Strait of Hormuz into a key topic in talks between the two powers.

 

Trump, making his first trip to China during his second presidential term, is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on economic, security, and regional issues. The meeting takes place amid years of growing tensions between the two countries, particularly after Washington launched its trade war against Beijing.

 

Despite efforts by both sides to project stability in bilateral relations, deep disagreements over trade, technology, Taiwan, and now the Gulf crisis have pushed U.S.-China relations into a highly sensitive phase.

A woman walks past an anti-U.S. billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz, in Tehran, Iran, May 11, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Trade War and Escalating Economic Rivalry

Since returning to the White House, Trump has intensified economic pressure on China through tariffs, trade restrictions, and measures targeting Chinese technology companies. The strategy is widely viewed as part of Washington’s broader effort to contain China’s growing economic influence.

 

Although Beijing responded with retaliatory measures and the two sides are currently in a form of “tariff truce,” economic competition remains one of the central points of contention between the world’s two largest economies.

 

Taiwan Remains Beijing’s Red Line

Beyond economic disputes, Taiwan continues to be one of the most sensitive issues in U.S.-China relations. Beijing has repeatedly urged Washington to respect the “One China” policy and refrain from political and military support for Taiwan.

 

Reports suggest that China may use the meeting with Trump to push for changes in Washington’s official language on Taiwan, seeking a shift from “not supporting Taiwan independence” to openly “opposing Taiwan independence.”

An Iranian newspaper with caricature of U.S. President Donald Trump is seen, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 5, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Iran Conflict and Pressure on Global Energy Markets

However, the biggest shadow over Trump’s visit is the recent conflict involving Iran. The war, launched with the support of the United States and Israel, has not only intensified regional tensions but also disrupted global energy markets.

 

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions to Gulf energy shipments have placed heavy pressure on the global economy. China, as one of the world’s largest oil importers, has been particularly vulnerable to the crisis.

 

Beijing, which has major economic interests in the Persian Gulf region, views prolonged instability in the Strait of Hormuz as a direct threat to its energy security. Some analysts believe Washington may attempt to use China’s concerns over the strait to increase pressure on Tehran.

 

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Sanctions on Chinese Firms Trigger Beijing’s Response

In recent weeks, the United States imposed a new package of sanctions on several major Chinese oil refining and trading companies. Washington said the move was aimed at limiting Iran’s financial resources, but in practice it targeted a critical part of China’s energy supply chain.

 

In response, Beijing issued a rare directive instructing Chinese companies listed under U.S. sanctions not to comply with American restrictions on Iran. Observers see the move as a sign that China is entering a phase of “active resistance” against U.S. pressure.

 

Potential Clash at the U.N. Security Council

At the same time, the United States and Bahrain have reportedly drafted a resolution concerning the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at increasing pressure on Iran to reopen maritime routes.

 

Speculation is now growing over whether China could veto the proposed resolution. Some analysts believe Trump may try during his Beijing visit to persuade China not to use its veto power — a matter that could become one of the most important behind-the-scenes issues in the negotiations.

 

Nevertheless, the scale of strategic disputes between Washington and Beijing — from tariffs and Taiwan to the energy crisis — appears too extensive for this brief visit to produce any major or lasting breakthrough between the two sides.