Analysis

China shores up Iran support as Trump seeks exit

China understands how badly Trump wants an exit from the conflict. But timing is critical: if no agreement is reached before Trump arrives in China on Wednesday, Beijing would be better positioned to set the agenda.

Joyce Karam

May 7, 2026

You're reading an excerpt from Al-Monitor China-Middle East, where we analyze China's deepening engagement with the region. To get this newsletter in your inbox weekly, sign up here.

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Tuesday that the US was pausing its military operation escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz after just one day, came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in China for his first visit there since the war began 68 days ago. 

Beijing sees the writing on the wall and is entering the conversation at exactly the moment when Trump is looking for a way out of the war while........

© Al Monitor