U.S. President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for remaining neutral during the war with Iran.
Speaking after the adoption of a ceasefire agreement, Trump said both leaders avoided actions that could have made Washington’s campaign against Tehran more difficult.
Trump Thanks Xi and Putin After Iran Ceasefire
Trump delivered the remarks during a press conference at the Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.
He said China and Russia had helped improve the situation by staying out of the conflict. According to Trump, neither country attempted to obstruct U.S. efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The U.S. president specifically thanked Xi for maintaining what he described as a completely neutral position. He offered similar praise to Putin, arguing that Russia could have created additional challenges for the United States.
Trump Criticizes U.S. Allies Over Limited Support
Trump’s positive comments about China and Russia contrasted sharply with his criticism of several traditional U.S. allies.
He accused countries ranging from Japan to European nations of providing insufficient support for the military campaign. Trump also criticized them over their limited involvement in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran blocked the strategically important waterway during the conflict, disrupting one of the world’s most important maritime trade and energy routes.
China and Russia Maintain Close Ties With Iran
Both Beijing and Moscow have strong political and economic relationships with Tehran.
Russia warned that the conflict could trigger a nuclear arms race across the Middle East. China, meanwhile, condemned U.S. attacks against Iran and described them as a violation of Iranian sovereignty.
U.S. intelligence officials reportedly believe that China supplied Iran with goods that may have had military applications.
Chinese independent oil refiners also remained major buyers of Iranian crude during the war, despite sanctions imposed by the United States.
Trump Says China Avoided Sending Major Weapons
Despite Beijing’s criticism of the U.S. military campaign, Trump said Xi played a constructive role in ending the conflict.
He claimed China avoided sending major weapons systems or shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles to Iran. Trump also suggested that Beijing could have escorted oil tankers with naval destroyers but chose not to do so.
According to Trump, Xi attempted to help resolve the conflict and may have contributed to securing the ceasefire.
China Defends Its Position on the Conflict
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing’s position had remained consistent throughout the crisis.
The spokesperson added that China had continuously worked toward ending the fighting and restoring peace.
The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Trump’s remarks.
