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According to Donald Trump’s latest statement on Wednesday, April 15 in the morning, the war in the Middle East would be “almost over”. The American president mentions a second round of negotiations in the coming days, and claims that China has agreed to stop supplying weapons to Iran. He reportedly received assurances to this effect from Chinese President Xi Jinping. But is this really the case, and what role does Beijing play in this war? France Télévisions provides an update.
This text corresponds to part of the transcription of the above report. Click on the video to watch it in its entirety.
On his container ship blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, a Chinese sailor films an endless wait day and night. He even has time to see the seeds he planted sprout. These images symbolize a crisis in the Middle East that paralyzes the ship and penalizes the Chinese economy. Because for China, this maritime passage is crucial. Before the war, 5,400,000 barrels of crude oil crossed it every day to supply China, which is twice as much as any other country.
The repercussions are felt even at the huge Canton Trade Fair, one of China’s biggest business meetings. “The prices of our products have increased due to the rise in raw material costs. This has led to an increase in our procurement costs,” explains Li Jin, a business manager at a Chinese kitchen utensil manufacturer.
Economically suffering after the American blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, China has raised its voice, targeting the United States: “This is dangerous and irresponsible behavior,” scolded Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Anger and diplomatic match between China and the United States.
In recent days, President Xi has met with Spanish, Emirati, Russian, and Vietnamese officials: “China is developing a form of opportunism by multiplying meetings and visits, and above all by presenting itself as a country that is responsible and stable in contrast to the United States,” points out Alice Ekman, a China specialist at the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS).
China is also suspected of providing Iran with resources to fight. Two ships may have transported fuel for missiles. According to the American press, it is also preparing deliveries of anti-aircraft weapons, accusations denied by China. “They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi will give me a big hug when I go down there in a few weeks,” reassured the American president on his Truth Social network. But he also threatens to use force.
This duel between the two global powers is set to take place face-to-face at a summit bringing together Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in a month. In theory, it has already been postponed once because of the war.
