China presses Iran to negotiate

- China is pressing Iran to open talks while Chinese companies continue exporting materials that could be used by Iran’s military, a coordinated leverage play. - Beijing pursued this before President Trump's May 14–15 Beijing visit, trying to hold leverage with Tehran and Washington by positioning as an indispensable intermediary. - Analysts say the tactic preserves Chinese options and influence over any Iran de‑escalation and regional outcomes. (nytimes.com)