Jakarta, ThedailyID — U.S. President Donald Trump has praised China for staying relatively uninvolved in the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to Washington.
Trump said Xi would travel to the U.S. within the coming weeks, although he did not provide a specific date or further details about the planned meeting.
“He will be coming in the next few weeks. He’s looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to having him come. We have a good relationship,” Trump said, as reported by the South China Morning Post, Tuesday (01/09).
Trump also praised Beijing for what he described as a limited role in the ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
“Even with the Strait of Hormuz, he’s been relatively inactive. He’s been relatively inactive compared to what he should be doing,” Trump said.
Trump added that he has great respect for Xi and believes the Chinese leader shares that sentiment.
“I think he appreciates me, and I think he respects our country again. He didn’t respect our country two years ago, he laughed at our country,” Trump said.
His comments referred to the previous U.S. administration under President Joe Biden, during which Washington and Beijing maintained tense relations across trade, technology and geopolitical issues.
The remarks came after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Washington would not target Chinese banks with sanctions over their alleged involvement in supporting Iran.
The U.S. has recently increased pressure on foreign entities accused of assisting Iran as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue. Reports had previously suggested that Chinese banks could also face potential sanctions.
Trump’s comments now come as Washington prepares for Xi’s expected visit, potentially creating another opportunity for the two leaders to address broader U.S.-China relations amid ongoing regional tensions.
