The president of Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, stated that he sent a letter to the president of China, Xi Jinping, asking that the country not supply weapons to Irã. Xi responded through another letter stating that China is not sending weapons to Teerã. Trump made the statement during an interview recorded for the program Mornings with Donald Trump0, from Donald Trump1, aired this Wednesday.
The exchange of correspondence took place on a date not announced by the American president. Trump also mentioned the threat made last week to impose an immediate 50% tariff on countries that supply weapons to Irã.
Exchange of letters between leaders
Trump said he wrote to the Chinese leader to ask him not to supply weapons to Teerã. Xi’s response was direct, according to the report made in the interview. The American president repeated his Chinese counterpart’s phrase approximately, saying that he basically denied sending military material.
The declaration comes amid the conflict involving Estados Unidos and Irã. Trump had already used the possibility of high tariffs as a form of pressure on nations that could help Teerã militarily.
Context of tariff threats
The previous week, Trump announced that it would impose a 50% tariff without exceptions on imports from countries identified as arms suppliers to Irã. The measure was communicated after reports of the possible sending of air defense systems of Chinese origin to Irã. China denied the information, classifying it as unfounded.
The topic comes up as the two countries prepare a meeting between Trump and Xi, scheduled for next month at Pequim. The meeting had previously been postponed because of the conflict at Irã.
- Trump sent letter to Xi asking China not to supply weapons to Irã
- Xi responded by letter that China is not sending weapons to Teerã
- Statement was made in an interview with Fox Business Network
- Threat of 50% tariff to countries that help Irã with weapons was repeated
- Meeting between leaders is scheduled for May at Pequim
Relationship between the two countries
Trump said he does not expect changes in the global oil market, related to the conflict with Irã and the situation at Venezuela, to alter plans for the meeting with Xi. Ele noted that China needs oil, while Estados Unidos is not as dependent on it. resource at the moment.
The exchange of letters reinforces the American effort to prevent the flow of weapons to Irã during the period of tension. Autoridades Chinese companies had already publicly rejected reports about the possible sending of military equipment.
Reactions and developments
Trump’s statement was made in the context of American intelligence reports that pointed to the possible transfer of portable air defense systems from China to Irã. Pequim denied any plans in this regard in the previous days.
The American president avoided giving details about the exact moment of the exchange of letters. Ele limited itself to confirming the content of the messages and repeating the position that China would not be involved in the supply.
The situation continues to be monitored by both sides as the date of the bilateral meeting approaches. Nenhum of governments released the full text of the letters exchanged between the leaders.
