WASHINGTON — President Trump said China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran amid reports it plans to give Tehran new air defense systems — and predicted Chinese leader Xi Jinping “will give me a big, fat hug” when they meet next month.
Trump further claimed Wednesday that Xi is “very happy” about his efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz, a day after officials in China slammed his blockade as “dangerous and irresponsible.”
“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also — And the World,” Trump crowed on Truth Social. “This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran.
“President Xi will give me a big, fat hug when I get there in a few weeks,” he added. “We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting??? BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to – far better than anyone else!!!”
Trump and Xi are set to meet in Beijing on May 14-15.
That meeting was delayed due to the war in Iran.
China notably gets roughly 45% to 50% of its crude imports through the Strait of Hormuz.
The president revealed on Fox News Business’ “Mornings with Maria” that Xi wrote him a letter about not sending weapons.
“Look, there’s never been anybody tougher in China than me. But I also have a good relationship with President XI and that’s a good thing,” Trump said.
