In a sharp warning to China, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Beijing to use its diplomatic clout to assist put a stop to the current Middle East turmoil.
China has lately instructed its businesses to ignore US sanctions aimed at the Middle Eastern nation, and it buys most of Iran’s oil exports, a vital financial lifeline that keeps the Islamic Republic afloat.
In response to a New York Times article suggesting that China is attempting to take advantage of the Middle East war, Bessent stated that the country is constantly looking to get an advantage over the United States.
It precedes Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned summit in Beijing next week.
The Treasury Secretary minimised China’s edge in discussions by saying, “China always seeks an advantage,” to Fox News.”In everything, they look for an advantage. They look to the seating chart for an advantage.
Bessent, 63, is slated to accompany the President on a much-awaited visit between the two biggest economies in the world.
Trump postponed the visit, which was originally scheduled for early April, in order to remain in the United States during the Iran War. There is no official end to the conflict, but it looks like the trip will go on.
Then, pointing out that China is the “largest state sponsor of terrorism,” the Treasury Secretary chastised China for supporting Iran.
Prior to President Trump’s visit to Beijing next week, which the Treasury Secretary is anticipated to attend, Scott Bessent made some critical remarks about China.
In October 2025, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Singapore.
Bessent remarked, “China, let’s see them step up with some diplomacy and get the Iranians to open the Strait.” “All I can say is that China has been purchasing 90% of Iran’s energy, and Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism.”
Thus, they are supporting the biggest state sponsor of terrorism, but more significantly, the Strait has closed due to the danger of Iranian assault. I would want the Chinese to join us in backing this global operation as we are reopening it.
It is anticipated that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping would have bilateral talks during their visit to Beijing on Thursday and Friday of next week.
Additionally, several Chinese cultural events are anticipated.
Given that China obtains a large portion of its oil from the Islamic Republic, Trump has frequently stated that he wants China to participate in ending the Iran War.
Additionally, he has communicated that China and the United States are working together to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The President wrote in mid-April, “President Xi is very happy that the Strait of Hormuz is open and/or rapidly opening.” “We will have a unique and possibly historic meeting in China.”
“I’m excited to work with President Xi—A lot will get done!”
During a formal visit to Beijing in 2017, Trump strolls with Xi Jinping.
Recently, Beijing told its businesses to disregard US oil sanctions against Iran.
China threatened to harm banks that conduct business between the two nations by ordering its businesses to disregard US sanctions on Saturday.
According to Bloomberg, Beijing instructed its businesses not to abide by US sanctions on private refiners connected to Iran’s oil trade.
China buys almost 80% of Iran’s total oil exports, and the US sanctions have made it more difficult for Chinese businesses to access US markets.
The action was taken one week after China took control of Manus, a Chinese AI startup that Meta was trying to buy.
The Chinese government cancelled the $2 billion agreement after it was completed, showing that it wanted to protect its own AI technology.
Next week’s bilateral sessions are anticipated to include trade, tariffs, and technology.
Trump reported in April that an Iranian ship had “a gift from China” that was “not very nice.”
In an interview with CNBC, he stated, “I was a little surprised but— because I have a very good relationship and I thought I had an understanding with President Xi.”
However, that’s okay. That’s how war works, isn’t it?
