President Donald Trump sought to play down tensions with President Xi Jinping over the conflict involving Iran as he traveled to Beijing for a high-stakes summit. Although Trump has urged China to use its leverage over Iran to help end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, he said the issue would not dominate his talks with Xi, insisting that Iran was 'under control.' His comments reflect an effort to prevent disagreements over the Middle East from overshadowing broader concerns in the bilateral relationship.

In recent weeks, Washington has imposed sanctions on several China-based firms accused of assisting Iran, while Beijing has condemned the measures as illegal pressure and activated a law blocking compliance. China has signaled unease with both Tehran and Washington, criticizing actions that threaten global trade while defending Iran's right to civilian nuclear development. Despite calls from senior United States officials for China to push Iran to reopen vital shipping routes, Beijing has appeared reluctant to become deeply involved.

Economic considerations also weigh heavily on both sides. Previous tariff threats and export restrictions had brought the two countries close to a damaging trade confrontation before a fragile truce was reached. With global energy markets under strain and both economies facing pressures, analysts say Trump and Xi have strong incentives to prevent the Iran conflict from triggering a renewed trade war or further destabilizing their already complex relationship.