Trump May Ask China to Lean on Iran as He Meets Xi

U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in two days with China’s president, Xi Jinping. Reuters reported Monday that the two are expected to discuss the U.S.-Israeli standoff with Iran, China’s tensions with Taiwan, advancing plans in artificial intelligence, and the issue of nuclear weapons.

According to the report, during his visit to China Trump will seek to extend the minerals agreement with China. Also, Trump, according to the report, is coming to China to "stabilize" the strained relations between him and the Chinese leadership, mainly due to disagreements over trade tariffs.

U.S. media reported that the United States and China are expected to agree on forums that would facilitate mutual trade and investment, while China is expected to announce purchases related to Boeing aircraft, American agriculture, and energy. Notably, China is considered one of the closest to Iran and Russia. China is also the main consumer of Iran’s oil exports. According to the reports, Trump may ask China to pressure Iran to accept the draft agreement he has put forward.

Watching the upcoming meeting with concern is Taiwan. The United States remains the most important international backer and arms supplier for the democratically governed island, which China claims as its own territory. China has increased its military presence near Taiwan in recent years, and Taiwan fears that a U.S. deal with China would include Washington canceling its defense agreement with Taiwan.