Why is Trump's leverage weakened in the upcoming US-China summit, according to the article?

Trump's leverage is weakened because the ongoing Iran war—now in its third month—has constrained his diplomatic hand, while China holds unique sway over Tehran as its biggest oil buyer and strategic partner; additionally, US actions targeting Chinese firms linked to Iran must be balanced against China's control of rare earths, which it previously used to counter US tariffs, and Trump faces domestic political pressure from rising fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections.

What are the key agenda items expected at the Trump-Xi summit, and how does the Iran conflict affect their priority?

The key agenda items include trade, tariffs, Taiwan, and Iran—but the unresolved Iran conflict risks overshadowing economic discussions, turning the summit into a test of China’s willingness to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz rather than an in-depth session on trade differences, as noted by Craig Singleton who said 'Iran could overshadow' the gathering and 'complicates the optics, it raises the stakes.'

Trump Faces Emboldened Xi in China as Iran War Clips US Leverage

May 12, 2026

US President Trump meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing amid tensions over the Iran war and trade disputes. Discussions focus on oil supply stability, rare earth mineral leverage, and agricultural commodity purchases amidst shifting geopolitical power dynamics.

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