Beijing confirmed on Monday that it is in communication with the United States regarding President Donald Trump’s upcoming summit, after Trump suggested he might delay the trip over issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump had told the Financial Times that nations benefiting from shipping through the strait, including China, should contribute to securing it. “I think China should help too because China gets 90% of its oil from the Straits,” he said, noting he would prefer clarity on Beijing’s stance before traveling.
Sanctions on Rubio May Not Apply
China also indicated that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expected to accompany Trump, would be allowed to enter the country despite sanctions imposed on him in 2020 over his comments on Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the sanctions targeted Rubio’s actions as a U.S. Senator and would not restrict his participation in the summit.
Talks to Address Trade and Strategic Issues
Chinese and U.S. officials are meeting in Paris this week to discuss potential agreements in agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade, which could form part of the discussions between Trump and President Xi Jinping during the summit in Beijing.
