Trump Administration Seeks China's Help to End Iran War

Acting with President Trump's approval, Bessent asked China to leverage its influence over Iran, and Beijing relayed the appeal to Iranian officials.

Iran responded that the U.S. holds the key to ending the conflict, amid parallel indirect talks led by Vice President JD Vance through Pakistan and Qatar.

Meanwhile, U.S., Chinese, and Russian officials prepare for a possible Trump-Xi-Putin meeting at the APEC summit in Shenzhen on November 18-19, as Washington hunts for diplomatic off-ramps from the costly fight.

Observers note China's economic interests in Gulf stability may limit its help to basics like reopening shipping lanes, not a full U.S. victory.