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Home / China / Iran war may give China, Xi, some leverage on Trump at Beijing summit
China, Asia, China‑Taiwan

May 11, 2026

Iran war may give China, Xi, some leverage on Trump at Beijing summit

China is likely pleased to see the U.S. expend large numbers of munitions in the Persian Gulf that otherwise could have been used to help defend Taiwan against an invasion, and it is likely closely studying U.S. military actions for its own purposes, said Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement at Defense Priorities, a think tank in Washington, D.C.

“On the other hand, of course China, as the premier global trading power, needs these straits open. Even if there’s tremendous hurt in Southeast Asia from this war, that is going to damage the Chinese economy,” he said on a panel discussion.

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Photo of Lyle Goldstein

Lyle
Goldstein

Director, Asia Program

Defense Priorities

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