Trump heads to China: Focus on trade – not Iran

TT

Published 2026-05-12 21.31

 

President Donald Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House ahead of his trip to China. Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP/TT

Trade is in focus when Donald Trump visits Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Iran is a less important item on the agenda, according to the US president.

– We have a lot of topics to discuss. I wouldn't say Iran is one of them, to be honest, because we have Iran largely under control, Trump said as he left the White House to fly to China.

At the same time, Trump renewed his threat to order new military attacks on Iran.

– We will either get a deal or they will be decimated. One way or another, we will win.

The visit is scheduled for Wednesday-Friday. Asked about media reports that China is providing Iran with weapons and buying sanctioned oil, Trump said President Xi has always “been a friend.”

– He is someone we have come to terms with.