US Frequently Pressures Beijing Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit, Iran Issue Becomes Leverage Point

(Central News Agency, Taipei, 11th comprehensive foreign report) Before US President Trump's visit to China this week for the "Trump-Xi summit," Washington frequently pressured Beijing, such as strengthening the crackdown on China's clandestine petrochemical transactions with Iran, demanding China's assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and emphasizing that China should not take any destabilizing actions against Taiwan before the summit.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced today that Trump will visit China from the 13th to the 15th. It is expected that the Trump-Xi summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be held on the 14th. As the Trump-Xi summit approaches, the US and China have repeatedly exchanged blows over their respective concerns. The following is a timeline of Washington's recent "moves" against Beijing.

● April 24 - US sanctions Chinese refineries buying Iranian oil

The US Treasury Department announced sanctions against Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian), a Chinese refinery that purchased billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil, freezing its crypto assets worth $340 million related to Iran.

Since 2025, other Chinese petrochemical companies, including Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group Co., Ltd., Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group Co., Ltd., and Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd., have been added to the US Treasury Department's "Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List" for participating in Iranian oil transactions, implementing measures such as asset freezes and transaction prohibitions.

In addition, the US Treasury Department also announced sanctions against approximately 40 shipping companies and vessels on the same day. These entities are considered part of Iran's shadow fleet. The Washington Post pointed out that some of the sanctioned vessels operate in connection with China, while others transport crude oil to China as their final destination.

● April 30 - Proposed ban on Chinese laboratories testing electronic products for sale in the US

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to advance a proposal that would effectively prohibit Chinese laboratories from testing electronic devices intended for use in the United States, including smartphones and cameras.

The FCC stated that the new proposal being advanced aims to "prioritize national security." If this proposal is passed, the scope of US restrictions on Chinese electronic products will be broader than ever before.

● May 1 - US sanctions Chinese oil terminal

The US State Department announced sanctions against Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal Co., Ltd., stating that the company has imported "tens of millions of barrels" of Iranian crude oil, helping Iran generate billions of dollars in revenue.

This terminal belongs to Qingdao Port, an important shipping hub in the Yellow Sea. The sanctions mean that transactions involving the operator of this terminal and related to the United States become criminal offenses.

● May 4 - US Treasury Secretary urges China to pressure Iran to open the strait

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China to increase diplomatic pressure to persuade Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, and stated that US and Chinese leaders will discuss this issue at the summit.

Bessent said in an interview with Fox News' "America's Newsroom" program: "Let's see if China can make a diplomatic difference in persuading Iran to open the strait."

Bessent called on China to join international efforts to seek the opening of the strait but did not specify how Beijing should act. He also said that China and Russia should stop obstructing relevant resolutions in the United Nations, such as a resolution encouraging all parties to take measures to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

● May 4 - Trump indicates he will raise Jimmy Lai with Xi Jinping

Trump was interviewed by conservative host Hugh Hewitt and was asked if he would again raise the issue of Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai with Xi Jinping. Trump replied: "I will, I will bring him up then."

According to the transcript of "The Hugh Hewitt Show," Hewitt asked Trump if he would again raise Jimmy Lai with Xi Jinping, and Trump said, "I will, I have brought him up before (Jimmy Lai), I will say, he (Xi Jinping) has a lot of grudges with Jimmy Lai."

● May 5 - Rubio warns Beijing not to take destabilizing actions against Taiwan

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned China not to take any "destabilizing" actions against Taiwan in the week before Trump's visit, and stated that Taiwan may be included in the Trump-Xi summit discussions.

Rubio said at a White House press conference: "We don't need anything to happen that would destabilize Taiwan or the Indo-Pacific region, and I think that's good for both the United States and China." He also pointed out that Taiwan may become a topic of discussion when Trump and Xi Jinping meet.

● May 5 - Washington prepares to impose visa sanctions on Chinese citizens

A senior Trump administration official told Reuters that China is slowing down the repatriation of Chinese citizens illegally staying in the United States, and warned that if Beijing does not change its approach, Washington is prepared to increase travel restrictions on Chinese citizens.

The unnamed senior US official pointed out that China received about 3,000 repatriated individuals through chartered flights and commercial flights early last year, but has scaled back cooperation in the past 6 months.

The official further stated that if China does not strengthen repatriation cooperation, the US will consider increasing the bond for visa applications, refusing more visas, and denying more people entry at the border.

● May 6 - G7 Trade Ministers implicitly criticize China's rare earth export controls

G7 trade ministers criticized certain countries for using "economic coercion" to implement export controls, particularly on critical minerals. Agence France-Presse believes this criticism clearly refers to China.

Including US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, G7 trade ministers stated: "We are gravely concerned about acts of economic coercion, including threats through export restrictions, which can lead to supply chain disruptions, especially for critical minerals, and will further undermine economic security and resilience."

China's rare earth industry dominates globally, and related export control measures have caused global supply chain shocks. Beijing skillfully used this influence last October to reach an agreement with Washington, temporarily halting the fierce trade war between the two sides.

● May 8 - US sanctions Chinese and Hong Kong companies, accusing them of involvement in Iranian arms supply

The US Treasury Department announced sanctions against 10 individuals and companies, including