No major Iran war breakthroughs as Trump leaves Beijing

On 15 May 2026, US President Donald Trump left China after a summit with Xi Jinping, without breakthroughs on Iran, Taiwan or AI. Trump said Xi offered help in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and that he and Xi agree Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. China said there was 'no point in continuing' the Iran war. Trump also said he was losing patience with Iran and had not asked China for favors.

On Taiwan, Xi warned that mistreating the issue could cause a China-US conflict, and referred to the 'Thucydides Trap'. Trump said he gave Xi 'no commitment' on Taiwan, and Rubio said US policy on Taiwan remains 'unchanged'. Trump also said he agreed with Xi's 'declining nation' remark about the US, saying he meant the Biden years, and that he did not discuss extending the tariff truce. Trump said he looks forward to hosting Xi in Washington. Putin is due to visit China the following week.