How the Iran war could weaken Trump in his strongman showdown with Xi

On 12 May 2026, Trump headed to Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the Iran war, Taiwan arms sales and trade on the agenda. Trump said he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan and the jailed Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai with Xi. A Chinese spokesperson said China's position of opposing US arms sales to Taiwan is consistent and clear. The summit may yield a farm deal, though China's appetite for soybeans is limited.

Trump said he does not need China's help to end the Iran war, while Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz. He also said trade, not Iran, would be the priority. The US State Department said China and the US agree on opposing Hormuz tolls. Rubio, who has a new Chinese name, also headed to Beijing despite sanctions.