Xi Jinping welcomes Donald Trump at the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing. Their second meeting is scheduled to take place today, Friday. Photo: Reuters
China wants to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. The country imports vast quantities of oil through the Strait of Hormuz; therefore, Beijing wants this vital shipping lane to remain accessible. U.S. President Donald Trump made this assertion in an interview with Fox News.
Trump further revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping has even offered to assist in brokering an agreement regarding the effort to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
This interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity was recorded following Trump’s visit to Beijing and was subsequently broadcast on Fox News. During the interview, Trump heaped praise upon Xi. Speaking effusively in his praise of Xi, Trump remarked, “If Hollywood ever went looking for someone to play the role of Xi Jinping, they wouldn’t find anyone like him.” Trump added, “Xi is tall—very tall. Especially for this country, because people here are generally of shorter stature.”

In the interview, Trump noted that when he first took office, China was taking advantage of the United States. However, he stated that he currently enjoys a very good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump also mentioned in the interview that China has pledged to refrain from sending military equipment to Iran. Trump indicated that Xi Jinping gave this assurance during a meeting between the two leaders held yesterday, Thursday. However, China has not yet issued an official response regarding this matter.
Additionally, Trump stated that China has committed to purchasing 200 Boeing aircraft. He noted that this initiative would create a significant number of jobs.
Earlier, on the sidelines of Trump’s visit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had also hinted that China might very soon announce the purchase of a large number of Boeing aircraft from the United States.
In his interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump further revealed that China has also agreed to purchase oil from the United States. He added, “We will begin shipping fuel from Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska on Chinese vessels.”
Trump asserted that fuel is currently China’s most pressing need. He stated, “What they need most is fuel.” “And we have plenty of fuel.”

In the interview, Trump also commented on Xi Jinping’s personality. He remarked that the Chinese President is extremely sincere. However, he is entirely a man of business; there is no trickery involved. That is a positive aspect.
Xi is respectful toward others, Trump noted, adding that his life revolves entirely around China. Trump also stated his desire to open up China’s economy. Furthermore, he expressed the view that the trade deficit with China has decreased compared to before.