Trump warns Xi against support for Iran

…launchers and had helped Tehran find ways to evade US sanctions on its oil exports. Asked by Fox News whether China would stop assisting Iran, Perdue said Washington had received assurances from Beijing on Thursday. “ We’ve seen movement ... on that already. That’s what the commitment is. They assured us yesterday they’re not doing that, ” Perdue said. A US lawmaker has urged Trump to confront Xi over reports of Chinese assistance to Iran, particularly amid concerns that Chinese entities may have provided intelligence or targeting assistance that…

…Jamieson Greer said on CNBC that more details on trade may be released as soon as Monday. Any deals unveiled in the coming days will show whether Xi came away with more than the bald eagle statue Trump gifted him. “ We might be at the moment of maximum détente ,” said Rana Mitter, a US-China scholar at the Harvard Kennedy School. But while leader ties are strong, “in terms of a policy substantive shift, no, we’re not there.” Dinner Diplomacy The Communist Party’s flagship…

…to Iran, particularly amid concerns that Chinese entities may have provided intelligence or targeting assistance that contributed to American casualties. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen said on Wednesday that Trump should raise the issue with Xi during the summit , alleging that Chinese firms were helping Iran economically and militarily. In a Senate speech, Shaheen cited reports that Iran had obtained high-resolution satellite imagery of a military base in Jordan from Chinese…

…tougher action on Taiwan as well as tighter export controls and restrictions on Chinese companies. Greater political division, however, also breeds gridlock, which might limit Washington’s ability to pressure Beijing. “ Xi wants to get the reassurance from President Trump that he will continue to handle the Taiwan issue with great caution ,” said Wu Xinbo, director at Fudan University’s Center for American Studies in Shanghai. “The problem for China is, of course, whether he can continue that policy down the road, especially after the US midterm…

…that move would likely trigger bipartisan blowback from members of Congress who strongly support military backing for Taipei. Trump is unlikely to change US policy, said Jeremy Chan, a senior analyst at Eurasia Group. “ Both sides are reasonably happy with maintaining the status quo ,” he added. Prospects for a $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan being released before Trump hosts the Group of 20 summit in December, however, remain low, Chan said. For China, success does not necessarily require…