Trump Says China's Xi Jinping Agreed Not to Send Weapons to Iran
President Trump said Wednesday that Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed not to send weapons to Iran. Trump told Fox Business he sent Xi a letter asking China not to arm Iran, and Xi responded that China was not supplying weapons to Tehran.
President Trump announced Wednesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping has agreed not to provide weapons to Iran after Trump personally asked him not to.
In a Fox Business interview, Trump said he sent Xi a letter requesting that China avoid arming Iran. Xi responded that China was not supplying weapons to Tehran, according to Trump.
The announcement comes as reports have circulated that Beijing was considering transferring arms to Iran. Trump also said China is "very happy" that he is permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz after Beijing labeled a previous U.S. blockade as "dangerous."
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway where about 20% of the world's oil passes through. Any disruption there can spike global energy prices.
Trump's claim about the Chinese agreement has not been independently confirmed by Chinese officials. Details about what specific weapons were under consideration or the exact terms of any agreement are still emerging.
This could help prevent Iran from getting more powerful weapons that might be used against U.S. allies or to block key shipping routes. Any weapons flow to Iran affects global oil prices and regional stability in the Middle East.
Watch for confirmation from Chinese officials and whether Iran's access to foreign weapons actually decreases.
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