Trump Fails to Confront Xi Over Alleged Chinese Support for Iran
US lawmakers and national-security experts are pressing President Donald Trump to take tougher action against Chinese entities accused of helping Iran with satellite intelligence, weapons components, and oil revenue.
The calls intensified as Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the White House on September 24 for a high-stakes meeting with Trump, followed by a lavish state dinner that underscored the delicate balancing act between the world's two largest economies.
Trump made no explicit mention of Iran during his public remarks with Xi despite growing pressure from lawmakers who warned that Washington risks encouraging deeper cooperation between Beijing and Tehran if it fails to impose costs.
The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, accused Trump of failing to hold Xi accountable for Chinese companies' alleged support for Iran. Shaheen called on Trump to crack down on three areas: satellite imagery and targeting assistance, components for Iranian missiles and drones, and purchases of sanctioned Iranian oil.
Beijing is Tehran's most important oil customer, generating billions of dollars for Iran despite US sanctions. Republican Senator John Kennedy made a similar argument on September 24, telling reporters that Xi could use Beijing's influence to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.