Trump Thanks Xi Jinping and Putin for Remaining Neutral, Citing Help in US-Iran Ceasefire

US-Iran War Key News

CNA Message

(CNA, Evian-les-Bains, France, 17th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) US President Donald Trump stated today that during the conflict with Iran, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin "remained neutral" and did not obstruct US actions aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

According to Reuters, Trump signed a US-Iran ceasefire memorandum of understanding during a dinner at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Evian-les-Bains, France. He later told a press conference, "I just want to thank them because they made the situation much better."

"I want to thank China, I want to thank President Xi Jinping. When I met with him, he remained completely neutral throughout, and I am very grateful. I also want to thank Putin (Vladimir Putin), he was very neutral. They could have made things much more difficult for us."

Trump's remarks stood in sharp contrast to his criticism of US allies. Trump had previously criticized Japan and European allies for failing to provide assistance in military operations or subsequent cleanup efforts in the Strait of Hormuz.

Moscow and Beijing have long maintained close relations with Tehran. Russia had previously warned that this war could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

China had earlier condemned the US attack on Iran as a "blatant violation" of national sovereignty. Furthermore, according to US intelligence officials, China had provided materials with potential military applications to Iran, and independent Chinese refiners continued to purchase Iranian oil during the conflict, failing to comply with US sanctions.

However, Trump pointed out that Xi Jinping was "helpful" in resolving the conflict and did not provide Iran with major weapons or shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles.

"They could have sent one oil tanker with six destroyers on each side for escort, but they didn't do that. President Xi helped me, he tried to help, and I think he was indeed helpful in resolving the matter." (Translation: Shi Shi)