🚨 JUST IN: 🇨🇳🇮🇷 President Xi Jinping Says China Wants to Continue Buying Oil from Iran

By Reflecto News Desk
May 9, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that China intends to continue purchasing oil from Iran, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to its long-standing energy partnership with Tehran even as the US enforces a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks were made during high-level talks with US President Donald Trump, who is currently in Beijing for a major summit.

Xi’s Position on Iranian Oil

President Xi emphasized that China will maintain its energy imports from Iran to ensure national energy security and support stable global oil supplies. The statement directly aligns with recent Chinese directives instructing domestic refineries to ignore US sanctions and continue buying Iranian crude.

This position comes amid ongoing US pressure and threats of secondary sanctions on Chinese entities involved in Iranian oil trade.

Timing and Diplomatic Context

Xi’s comments are particularly notable as they were delivered during the ongoing Trump-Xi summit in Beijing. President Trump arrived earlier today with a high-profile delegation of US CEOs, including Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, and Tim Cook.

The Iranian oil issue is a key point of discussion in the bilateral meetings. Other concurrent developments include:

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holding talks in Beijing
• The fragile US-Iran ceasefire
• Continued US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz
• US Vice President JD Vance reporting progress in separate Iran negotiations

Strategic Implications

China’s firm stance on Iranian oil imports highlights the challenges in using sanctions to isolate Iran economically. As Iran’s largest oil customer, China’s continued purchases provide Tehran with vital revenue and complicate US efforts to pressure Iran on its nuclear program and regional activities.

The issue is expected to remain a major friction point in US-China relations, even as both sides seek progress on trade and technology issues during the current summit.

Reflecto News will continue monitoring the Trump-Xi meetings, any joint positions on Iran, developments in the Strait of Hormuz, and potential US responses to China’s oil policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What did President Xi Jinping say about Iranian oil?
Xi stated that China wants to continue buying oil from Iran to secure its energy needs.

Q2: When did Xi make this statement?
During bilateral talks with President Trump in Beijing on May 9, 2026.

Q3: Why is this significant?
It directly challenges US sanctions and the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, showing China’s determination to maintain energy ties with Iran.

Q4: How does this relate to the Trump-Xi summit?
Iranian oil imports are a key discussion point, as the US seeks Chinese cooperation on pressuring Iran while negotiating broader trade and technology issues.

Q5: What is the current status of Chinese oil imports from Iran?
China has already instructed its refineries to continue purchases despite US sanctions, using alternative shipping methods.

Q6: Could this affect US-China relations?
Yes. It may lead to further US threats of secondary sanctions and become a sticking point in the ongoing summit.

For the latest updates on the Trump-Xi summit, US-China relations, the Iran situation, and developments in the Strait of Hormuz, follow Reflecto News — your trusted source for accurate, timely, and balanced international coverage.