Trump Claims China Agrees Not to Arm Iran, Predicts ‘Big Fat Hug’ from Xi Jinping

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran, following a direct letter exchange with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Tehran.

Trump revealed in a Fox Business interview and Truth Social post that he wrote to Xi after U.S. intelligence reported Beijing preparing to ship MANPADs — shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles — to help Iran defend against potential American strikes. Xi responded in writing that China would not provide the weapons.

“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also — And the World,” Trump wrote. “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. We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting???”

Trump added, “There’s never been anybody tougher on China than me. But I also have a good relationship with President Xi, and that’s a good thing.”

The remarks follow Trump’s weekend blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for 45-50% of China’s crude oil imports and one-fifth of global seaborne oil — after Iran demanded tolls on shipping. U.S. Central Command confirmed the blockade’s full implementation Tuesday.

Earlier, Trump had threatened 50% tariffs on China if it armed Iran. The agreement comes as peace talks with Tehran resume, with Trump calling the Iran conflict “very close to over” and nuclear concessions a top priority.

Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet in Beijing on May 14-15, the first U.S. presidential visit to China in nearly a decade. For American families facing volatile energy prices and threats from a nuclear-armed Iran, Trump’s blend of pressure and personal diplomacy aims to secure U.S. interests without unnecessary conflict. China’s Foreign Ministry has denied arming Iran but criticized the Hormuz blockade.