China Condemns US-Israel War in Iran but Confirms Xi Jinping Will Still Meet Donald Trump in 2026
- Why Is China Proceeding with the Xi-Trump Summit Despite Condemning US Actions?
- How Are Oil Markets Reacting to the Iran Conflict?
- What’s the Sticking Point in US-China Relations?
- Could the Summit Actually Happen?
- FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
In a striking diplomatic balancing act, China has publicly criticized the US-Israel military campaign in Iran—which claimed the life of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—while simultaneously preparing for a high-stakes summit between President Xi Jinping and former US leader Donald Trump. The meeting, tentatively scheduled for late March 2026, could mark the first visit by a sitting US president to China since 2017. Amid soaring oil prices ($101+/barrel) and fragile tariff negotiations, Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for Sino-US dialogue despite "world-shaking" geopolitical tensions. Below, we unpack the key developments, economic fallout, and why this summit might just dodge cancellation. --- ###
Why Is China Proceeding with the Xi-Trump Summit Despite Condemning US Actions?
Foreign Minister Wang Yi framed the planned Xi-Trump meeting as a "strategic safeguard" to prevent bilateral relations from spiraling into confrontation. This comes after US-Israel airstrikes in Iran (February 28, 2026) and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro—events Beijing called "disastrous for global stability." Wang’s remarks during China’s annual parliamentary session revealed a pragmatic calculus: even adversaries need channels to avoid miscalculation. "Turning our backs WOULD mean mutual misjudgment," he warned, hinting at behind-the-scenes pressure to keep diplomacy alive. Analysts note the summit’s symbolic timing—just weeks after Iran’s oil exports plummeted due to the Hormuz Strait blockade.
--- ###How Are Oil Markets Reacting to the Iran Conflict?
The geopolitical shockwaves are already hitting wallets. Brent crude surged 9.84% to $101.81/barrel on March 8, while WTI spiked 11.73% to $101.56—the sharpest weekly gain since 1983. "This isn’t just about Iran," said a BTCC commodities analyst. "Middle East producers slashing output + Hormuz closures = a perfect storm." (Source: TradingView) The crisis threatens to unravel the fragile US-China tariff truce brokered in October 2025, which temporarily capped duties at 50%. With Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent set to meet China’s He Lifeng in Paris, both nations are scrambling to shield trade deals from oil-driven inflation.
--- ###What’s the Sticking Point in US-China Relations?
Trump’s push for a US-China "G2" global leadership model drew a fiery rebuttal from Wang: "Managing world affairs with two countries is like fighting a wildfire with twigs—you’ll get burned." China’s preference for multipolarity clashes with Washington’s unilateral moves, from Iran to Venezuela. Yet Wang confirmed Trump’s China visit (March 31–April 2, 2026) remains on track, suggesting economic pragmatism may override ideological rifts. The last face-to-face between Xi and TRUMP occurred in South Korea in autumn 2025—a meeting both described as "candid but cordial."
--- ###Could the Summit Actually Happen?
Skepticism lingers. The planned trip overlaps with:
- Ongoing NATO condemnations of US-Israel strikes
- Iran’s vow to avenge Khamenei’s death
- Maduro’s extradition hearings in Florida
Wang offered no new logistical details but stressed that "high-level contact is the ballast for steady relations." Meanwhile, China’s parliament rubber-stamped Xi’s vision for "controlled multipolarity"—a nod to balancing US power without outright conflict.
--- ###FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Why does China oppose the US-Israel Iran campaign but still engage with Trump?
A: Realpolitik. Beijing condemns the strikes to position itself as a global peace broker (and curry favor with Global South nations) but can’t afford to isolate Washington economically. The US remains China’s top export market.
Q: How high could oil prices go?
A: Analysts at BTCC warn of $120/barrel if Hormuz stays closed through Q2 2026. Track real-time data on.
Q: What’s the ‘G2’ concept Trump proposed?
A: A proposed US-China duopoly to dictate global rules—an idea Beijing rejects as "19th-century imperialism repackaged."
