Sources - https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trumps-iran-tariff-threat-risks-reopening-china-rift-2026-01-13/
Donald Trump's threat to slap a 25% tariff on countries that trade with Iran risks reopening old wounds with Beijing, Tehran's top partner, challenging Chinese leader Xi Jinping's global image and resolve to defend China's commercial interests.
Iran became a major flashpoint in U.S.-China ties during Trump's first term in the White House, as Washington tightened sanctions on the Islamic Republic and put China's Huawei, accused of selling technology to the country, in its cross-hairs. The arrest of its founder's daughter in Canada at the U.S.'s request sparked bitter recriminations that lingered over the remainder of that administration.