US President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for what he described as their neutral stance during the conflict involving Iran, saying neither leader interfered with Washington’s efforts to limit Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking after a ceasefire agreement was reached, Trump said the positions adopted by Beijing and Moscow had helped ease the situation.
“I just want to thank them because they made it a lot better,” Trump said.
Addressing reporters during a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, Trump said both leaders had refrained from becoming involved in the conflict.
“I want to thank China, President Xi. I was with him, and he stayed neutral, totally neutral, and I appreciate it,” Trump said. “And I want to thank Vladimir Putin, he was very neutral. They could have made it much more difficult for us.”
His remarks contrasted with criticism he has directed at several US allies, including countries in Europe and Japan, which he has faulted for not contributing to the military operation or subsequent efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the strategic waterway was blocked by Iran.
Russia and China both maintain close relations with Tehran. Moscow has warned that the conflict could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
China, meanwhile, has denounced US strikes on Iran, describing them as a serious breach of the country’s sovereignty. According to people familiar with the matter, US intelligence officials believe Beijing supplied Tehran with goods that could have military applications. During the conflict, China’s independent oil refiners remained major buyers of Iranian crude despite US sanctions.
Despite those tensions, Trump said Xi had played a constructive role and had avoided providing Iran with significant military assistance.
“They could have sent in an oil ship with six destroyers alongside of it, on each side. They didn’t do that. President Xi helped me. He tried to help, and I think he probably helped get it solved,” Trump said.
Responding to the comments, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington said Beijing’s approach had remained unchanged throughout the conflict.
The spokesperson said China’s position had been “consistent” and that it had been “working tirelessly for the end of fighting and peace.”
