United States President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were “neutral” during the Iran conflict, adding that their positions did not obstruct efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme.
“I just want to thank them because they made it a lot better,” Trump said after a ceasefire agreement was adopted in the conflict.
Speaking at a press conference during the Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, Trump expressed appreciation for what he described as their restraint throughout the crisis.
“I want to thank China, President Xi. I was with him, and he stayed neutral, totally neutral, and I appreciate it,” Trump said. “And I want to thank Vladimir Putin, he was very neutral. They could have made it much more difficult for us.”
His remarks contrasted with his criticism of US allies from Japan to Europe, which he said had not contributed enough to military efforts or to securing the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route affected by the Iran conflict.
Russia and China both maintain close ties with Tehran. Moscow has warned that the war could accelerate a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, while Beijing has condemned US strikes on Iran as a violation of sovereignty.
Despite this, Trump said Xi had been constructive and avoided escalating the situation by refraining from supplying heavier military support.
“They could have sent in an oil ship with six destroyers alongside of it, on each side. They didn’t do that. President Xi helped me. He tried to help, and I think he probably helped get it solved,” he said.
A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said its position had been “consistent” and focused on ending hostilities. Russia’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Reuters
