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China's Oil Stockpiling and U.S. Sanctions to Influence Trump-Xi Summit

China's Oil Stockpiling and U.S. Sanctions to Influence Trump-Xi Summit

China has been quietly amassing the world's largest stockpile of crude oil, a strategic move that is reshaping its relations with the United States. This development comes as Chinese Premier Xi Jinping prepares to host President Trump for a state visit on May 14 and 15. The situation is further complicated by China's Commerce Ministry's decision to ban Chinese companies from complying with U.S. sanctions on small refineries that purchase Iranian crude. These 'teapot refineries' have been encouraged to import Iranian oil, which could lead to further U.S. sanctions. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that China added an average of 1.1 million barrels per day to its strategic reserves in 2025, with continued growth in 2026. This stockpiling has helped stabilize oil prices amid Middle East tensions, providing a buffer for Asian importers affected by the halt in energy deliveries.
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Analysis-Trump's feuds, tensions with allies likely to outlast Iran war

Analysis-Trump's feuds, tensions with allies likely to outlast Iran war

By Matt Spetalnick and Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, May 9 (Reuters) - With his decision to pull some U.S. troops from Germany, his threats to draw down forces elsewhere in Europe and his downplaying of Iran’s recent attacks on an important Gulf partner, President Donald Trump's latest moves foreshadow
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China says exports jump 14.1% from a year ago ahead of Trump-Xi summit

China says exports jump 14.1% from a year ago ahead of Trump-Xi summit

China says exports have risen 14.1% in April from a year earlier, despite the Iran war and lingering impacts from higher U.S. tariffs
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President Trump's Beijing Visit Sparks Hope for Uyghur Detainee's Family

President Trump's Beijing Visit Sparks Hope for Uyghur Detainee's Family

President Trump's upcoming visit to Beijing has brought renewed hope for the family of Ekpar Asat, a Uyghur man detained in a Chinese internment camp. Asat, who disappeared in 2016 after attending a U.S. State Department program, was later found to be held in Xinjiang. His sister, Rayhan Asat, has been advocating for his release, criticizing the Biden administration for its inaction. The visit is seen as an opportunity to address high-profile detentions, with trade and human rights expected to be key topics during discussions with Chinese officials.
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Iran war could make Trump's trip to China a bit chillier than his first-term visit

Iran war could make Trump's trip to China a bit chillier than his first-term visit

President Donald Trump's trip to China may not come with the same fanfare that accompanied his first-term visit
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President Trump to Meet with Xi Jinping in Beijing Amid Trade and Geopolitical Tensions

President Trump to Meet with Xi Jinping in Beijing Amid Trade and Geopolitical Tensions

President Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing next week. The summit comes at a critical time, with ongoing trade tensions and the Iran war influencing global markets. Observers are keen to see if the meeting will lead to any easing of tensions between the U.S. and China. The discussions are expected to cover trade agreements and geopolitical issues, with potential implications for international relations and economic stability.
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Chinese Exporters Resilient to U.S. Tariff Threats Amid President Trump's Beijing Visit

Chinese Exporters Resilient to U.S. Tariff Threats Amid President Trump's Beijing Visit

Chinese exporters have expressed confidence in their resilience against U.S. tariff threats as President Trump prepares for a visit to Beijing. Despite previous tariff hikes, many Chinese firms have maintained their U.S. client base and expanded into new global markets. This resilience is attributed to China's strong supply chains and product quality. Companies have adopted strategies to mitigate tariff impacts, such as passing costs to U.S. consumers and diversifying markets. China's national strategy of self-sufficiency and expansion into regions like Europe, South America, and Africa has bolstered its trade surplus, despite a decline in exports to the U.S.
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Morning Bid: Chip push, crude pull

Morning Bid: Chip push, crude pull

By Mike Dolan May 8 (Reuters) - Everything Mike Dolan and the ROI team are excited to read, watch and listen to over the weekend. From the Editor Hello Morning Bid readers!
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China and Russia Likely to Veto US-Backed Iran Resolution at UN

China and Russia Likely to Veto US-Backed Iran Resolution at UN

The United States has proposed a resolution at the United Nations demanding that Iran halt its attacks and mining activities in the Strait of Hormuz. This resolution, drafted with Bahrain and supported by several Gulf countries, aims to address Iran's alleged violations of a ceasefire and threats to navigation freedom. However, the resolution faces strong opposition from China and Russia, who are expected to veto it. The draft resolution invokes Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which allows for sanctions or military action, a point of contention for China and Russia. The resolution's failure could complicate President Trump's upcoming visit to China, where the Iran conflict is expected to be a key topic.
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US imposes sanctions on companies it accuses of aiding Iran's weapons sector

US imposes sanctions on companies it accuses of aiding Iran's weapons sector

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, May 8 (Reuters) - The U.S.
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President Trump and Xi Jinping to Meet Amid Iran Conflict Tensions

President Trump and Xi Jinping to Meet Amid Iran Conflict Tensions

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with the ongoing Iran conflict casting a shadow over the summit. The meeting, postponed for two months, will address a range of issues including trade, Taiwan, and artificial intelligence. Tensions have been heightened by U.S. sanctions on Chinese entities linked to Iran, and Beijing's defiance of these measures. The summit aims to stabilize U.S.-China relations and potentially extend a trade truce, despite the complexities introduced by the Iran situation.
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US-proposed Iran resolution at UN faces likely vetoes from China, Russia

US-proposed Iran resolution at UN faces likely vetoes from China, Russia

May 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. on Thursday urged countries to support its United Nations resolution demanding Iran halt attacks and mining of the Strait of Hormuz, but diplomats said China and Russia are likely to veto it. A Chinese veto would be awkward ahead of U.S.