Washington D.C., Apr 15, (V7N) - US President Donald Trump has claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping personally assured him that Beijing is not providing military weapons to Iran. In an interview with Fox Business Network that aired Wednesday, the President revealed that he had initiated a direct exchange of correspondence with the Chinese leader to address concerns over potential arms shipments amidst the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Tehran.
President Trump explained that he felt compelled to write to President Xi after hearing widespread reports that China was supplying military equipment to Iran. According to Trump, President Xi responded by stating that China was not engaged in such activities. The President expressed satisfaction with the response, though he did not provide a specific timeline for when this exchange of letters took place.
This diplomatic engagement follows a stern warning issued by the White House last week, in which Trump threatened to impose an immediate 50% tariff on any country found to be selling military weapons to Iran. Analysts view the President's latest comments as a targeted effort to use trade leverage to isolate Tehran and prevent the restocking of its military arsenal during the current ceasefire period.
The President also dismissed concerns that the war in Iran or the ongoing political transition in Venezuela would cause significant long-term disruptions to the global oil market. He maintained that the United States is now energy independent, remarking that while China remains a major oil importer, the U.S. no longer relies on the same supply chains, thus insulating the American economy from major price shocks.
Furthermore, President Trump stated that the geopolitical tension would not impact his high-profile summit with President Xi, which is currently scheduled to take place in Beijing next month. He reiterated his optimism regarding the meeting, suggesting that the two leaders are "working together smartly" and that he expects a warm reception during his visit, which is slated for mid-May.
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