US President Donald Trump arrived in China on Wednesday for a high-stakes visit that comes nearly nine years after his previous trip to the country. His meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to focus heavily on the ongoing Iran conflict and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on February 8.
Ahead of the visit, an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader warned that Washington should not treat the current pause in fighting as a sign of victory. Despite growing international concern, Trump appeared confident while speaking to reporters before departing for China.
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“I don't think we need any help with Iran. We'll win it one way or the other, peacefully or otherwise,” Hindustan Times quoted Trump as saying.
President Donald J. Trump departs Washington D.C. for a historic visit to China! pic.twitter.com/8Qok0Xcqcd
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 12, 2026
China seen as possible mediator
Even as Trump downplayed the need for support, Beijing is increasingly being viewed as a possible mediator between Washington and Tehran. According to CNN, Iranian Ambassador to China Rahmani Fazli said Chinese involvement is being considered as a diplomatic channel in the conflict.
The situation around the Strait of Hormuz continues to draw global attention because of its importance to international oil trade. Trump claimed that the US blockade around Iranian ports in the region has been fully successful.
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"The blockade is very effective; it's been 100 per cent effective. And one way or the other, it's going to work out very well. I think you're going to have so much oil, you're going to have a gusher of oil like you've never had before," he said, per an HT report.
US war spending and Pakistan’s role
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that the United States has already spent at least $29 billion during the 74 days of conflict with Iran. He also requested around $1.5 trillion in additional funding to maintain America’s military posture globally.
Before leaving Washington, Trump also praised Pakistan for its role in mediation efforts. “They’re great. I think the Pakistanis have been great. The field marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great,” he said.
