Chinese President Xi Jinping’s sweeping purge of military elites became evident during a recent legislative session, where only a handful of generals attended compared to about 40 a year earlier. Xi signaled that the campaign to reform the armed forces is ongoing, stressing that no one with divided loyalty to the Communist Party can remain in the military. He acknowledged for the first time one of the most severe political crises of his 13-year rule, losing confidence in the very commanders he had built up over the past decade.

The crisis threatens Xi’s major achievement of transforming China’s military into a formidable force with new aircraft carriers, hypersonic missiles, and a growing nuclear arsenal. The purge intensified earlier this year with the downfall of top commander Zhang Youxia, once considered a trusted ally. Analysts cited in the report say Xi’s actions reveal his deep suspicion of disloyalty and corruption, as well as the tension between ensuring loyalty and preparing for war.

The restructuring has tightened Xi’s control over the armed forces, reinforcing his belief in personally selecting the right commanders to ensure both modernization and unwavering allegiance.

China has refrained from providing direct military assistance to Iran during its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, according to Muhannad Selum, assistant professor of international politics at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Selum stated that Beijing avoided such involvement due to the high risks and potential costs of being drawn into the war. However, he noted that China has not completely abandoned Iran.

Selum explained that China seeks to prevent a global order dominated solely by the United States. He added that Beijing has used its veto power in the United Nations Security Council to block proposals targeting Iran, particularly those related to the management of the Strait of Hormuz. While China is unlikely to offer direct military support soon, Selum suggested that some Chinese companies under US sanctions may have provided technical assistance to Iran.

The analysis highlights Beijing’s cautious approach to balancing its strategic interests while maintaining influence in Middle Eastern affairs.

China’s aluminum exports increased by 15 percent in April compared with the same month last year, according to customs data released on Saturday and reported by Reuters. The country exported 598,000 tons of unprocessed aluminum and aluminum products in April, bringing total exports for the first four months of the year to 2.05 million tons.

The rise comes as global supply chains face severe disruption due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has effectively halted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts noted that the war has sharply constrained aluminum supply worldwide, placing China in a key position to meet global demand.

As the conflict continues, many international buyers have begun stockpiling aluminum and related components in anticipation of higher production costs and raw material prices. To meet the surge in foreign orders, Chinese factories have accelerated production and delivery, further boosting the country’s export momentum.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet in Beijing next week for a two-day high-level summit starting Thursday. The meeting is viewed as crucial in shaping the next phase of rivalry between the two global powers. Discussions are expected to cover unresolved issues including the Iran war, trade, and Taiwan. The two leaders last met in South Korea in October, where they agreed to a trade truce.

The Trump administration is currently preoccupied with the Iran war, while Xi faces challenges from slowing economic growth and high energy prices. The U.S. side plans to emphasize the ‘Five Bs’—Boeing aircraft, beef, soybeans, and the establishment of an investment and trade board—while China will focus on the ‘Three Ts’—tariffs, technology, and Taiwan. Beijing may seek an extension of last year’s trade truce and easing of semiconductor export controls. Trump is also expected to raise the imprisonment of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai.

Experts predict limited breakthroughs, with possible small investment deals and an extension of the trade truce. Analysts suggest the summit may serve more as a starting point for future engagement than a venue for major agreements.

China is reassessing U.S. military strength after heavy American weapons use in the prolonged Iran war. Chinese analysts argue that Washington’s arsenal has been significantly depleted, weakening its ability to defend Taiwan effectively. According to U.S. defense assessments cited in the report, nearly half of America’s long-range stealth cruise missiles have been used since the conflict began in late February, and the number of Tomahawk missiles fired is about ten times the annual purchase volume.

Retired PLA Colonel Yue Gang said the situation exposes limits to U.S. global military dominance. Chinese commentators suggest that if the U.S. struggles against Iran, it may face even greater challenges countering China over Taiwan. Ahead of next week’s Trump–Xi summit, Beijing believes this could weaken President Trump’s diplomatic leverage, while China seeks stability and reduced U.S. support for Taiwan.

U.S. officials have rejected Beijing’s analysis, insisting that deterrence against China remains intact. Analysts note that China’s own military faces internal challenges, though the conflict has raised doubts among Asian allies about Washington’s reliability as a security partner.

China’s court has sentenced former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu to death on corruption charges, with the sentences suspended for two years. According to the state news agency Xinhua, such suspended sentences are often later commuted to life imprisonment. The verdict, announced on Thursday, underscores the intensifying anti-corruption drive within China’s military establishment.

President Xi Jinping launched a sweeping campaign against corruption across the state and military apparatus after taking power in 2012. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been a central focus of this effort. In 2023, the campaign extended to the elite Rocket Force, which oversees China’s nuclear and conventional missile programs, marking a significant move for Beijing.

Analysts cited in the report view the harsh ruling against the two former ministers as a demonstration of Xi Jinping’s strengthened control over the military hierarchy and his administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward corruption.

A bipartisan delegation of US senators met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China next week. The meeting took place on Thursday, a day after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Beijing. Discussions focused on bilateral trade and maintaining regional stability. The delegation, led by Republican Senator Steve Daines, called for mutual respect and stability between Washington and Beijing, emphasizing the need to reduce tensions rather than sever ties.

The meeting followed Wang Yi’s earlier remarks during his meeting with Iran’s foreign minister, where he described the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States as illegal and urged an immediate end to the war. He reaffirmed China’s constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that President Trump aims to reach an agreement with Tehran before his May 14–15 summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Washington is reportedly seeking to use Beijing’s diplomatic influence to ease global economic disruptions caused by instability in the Middle East and oil supply issues in the Strait of Hormuz.

China’s National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) has advised major banks not to issue new loans to five oil refineries recently added to the US sanctions list for alleged involvement with Iranian oil. The directive, reported by Bloomberg News, also instructs banks to review their business dealings with these refineries but not to recall existing loans immediately.

Among the sanctioned companies is Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery, one of China’s largest private refineries. The report suggests that Beijing’s cautious stance aims to shield its state-owned banks from potential secondary sanctions imposed by the United States. This move contrasts with a notice issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce on May 2, which had instructed companies to disregard US sanctions.

Al Jazeera noted that it could not independently verify the Bloomberg report. The situation highlights a possible policy divergence within China’s financial and trade authorities regarding compliance with US sanctions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Beijing just one week before U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled trip to China. Analysts view the visit as a significant move in the shifting diplomatic balance between the Middle East and global powers. During the meeting in China, Araghchi held talks with his Chinese counterpart, marking the first direct meeting between the two allies’ top diplomats since the war began. Iran described the visit as an effort to ease tensions with the United States and to gain international support.

China remains one of Iran’s key economic and strategic partners, continuing to import large volumes of Iranian oil despite sanctions. U.S. officials have increased pressure on Beijing to influence Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington has imposed sanctions on Chinese refiners buying Iranian oil. In response, Beijing stated it is not obliged to comply with U.S. sanctions. Following the meeting, Araghchi said relations between Iran and China would strengthen further, calling Beijing a sincere friend of Tehran.

Trump’s upcoming visit to China on May 14–15 is expected to include talks with President Xi Jinping, and analysts suggest Iran’s diplomatic activity may add new pressure to regional and global discussions.

High-level talks between China and Iran began in Beijing, focusing on two key issues: maintaining a ceasefire and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. China has long voiced concern over these matters, criticizing the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports as dangerous while also expressing growing dissatisfaction with Iran for keeping the waterway closed.

During the meeting, Beijing is expected to deliver a clear message to Tehran that continued closure of the strait could affect future Chinese support. This discussion is particularly significant as Iran faces potential new sanctions, where Chinese backing at the United Nations would be crucial. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister seeks clarity on whether China might make concessions to Washington during an upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

China has also asked Iran to refrain from any retaliatory or sudden actions before the talks. Observers view the Beijing meeting as critical not only for bilateral relations but also for Middle Eastern stability and global energy security.

China has declared the ongoing war by the United States and Israel against Iran as illegal. The statement came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Wang said China is ready to continue efforts to de-escalate tensions and emphasized that a comprehensive ceasefire is essential. He noted that the region is at a critical juncture and that direct talks between the parties are necessary.

Araghchi thanked China for its firm stance and for condemning the actions of the United States and Israel. He described the war against Iran as a shameless act of aggression and a grave violation of international law. The Iranian minister added that Tehran would make every effort to protect its legitimate rights and interests in negotiations and would only accept a fair agreement.

The meeting underscored Beijing’s continued alignment with Tehran amid heightened regional tensions and calls for diplomatic resolution.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has described the United States and Israel’s military actions against Iran as “illegal.” He made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to Tasnim News Agency. Wang stated that the Middle East is at a “decisive turning point” and emphasized that a comprehensive ceasefire is “essential” for regional stability. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to easing tensions and urged direct dialogue between the parties involved.

During the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised China’s “firm stance,” particularly its condemnation of the US-Israel attacks. He said that cooperation between Tehran and Beijing would strengthen further in the future.

Analysts cited in the report noted that the meeting signals China’s continued diplomatic engagement with Iran amid regional tensions and its ongoing efforts to mediate and promote calm in the Middle East.

At least 21 people were killed and 61 injured in a massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing plant in central China’s Hunan province. The blast occurred at 4:43 p.m. on Monday at the Liuyang Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Company in Liuyang city, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Videos shared on social media showed multiple explosions and thick plumes of smoke rising from the mountainous rural area.

CCTV’s drone footage the following day revealed widespread devastation, with collapsed buildings and smoke still visible as over 480 rescuers worked to clear debris. Authorities established a three-kilometer security perimeter and evacuated nearby residents. The factory’s owners and management have been detained while investigators examine the cause of the explosion. President Xi Jinping ordered swift medical treatment for the injured, rescue efforts for the missing, and strict action against those responsible.

Liuyang is one of China’s main fireworks production hubs, accounting for about 60 percent of national output and 70 percent of exports. Industrial accidents remain frequent in China due to weak safety enforcement, with several similar explosions reported in recent years.

Diplomatic and government sources say former U.S. President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure before his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the prolonged Iran crisis has weakened Washington’s bargaining position. The summit is scheduled for May 14–15 in Beijing, seen by China as a key opportunity to stabilize long-term relations between the two powers.

Chinese officials reportedly believe the Trump administration initially sought a swift victory in Iran to strengthen leverage over Beijing, but the conflict’s drawn-out and unpopular nature has shifted momentum in China’s favor. Wu Xinbo, a member of China’s Foreign Ministry advisory council, said the U.S. inability to control Iran has left Trump in a weaker position for talks. Analysts add that with U.S. midterm elections approaching, Trump is eager to show success to voters, while Beijing aims to extract concessions on Taiwan, technology exports, and sanctions relief.

Experts note that despite energy supply concerns through the Strait of Hormuz, China’s global standing has improved due to its calls for peace. The upcoming summit will test whether the two nations can ease tensions that have persisted since Trump’s 2017 Beijing visit.

Beijing has refused to comply with U.S. sanctions imposed on five Chinese refineries accused of purchasing Iranian oil. The Chinese government described its stance as defensive and justified, according to the state-run English-language outlet China Daily. The report said that China issued an injunction to block Washington’s sanctions, which include measures against Hengli Petrochemical Refinery and four other facilities.

Beijing argued that the U.S. action violates international law, as it lacks authorization from the United Nations. In an article, China Daily writer Li Yang stated that Washington’s sanctions attempt to extend U.S. jurisdiction over bilateral trade between two sovereign nations. He further noted that the United States has long used the dominance of the dollar to expand the reach of its sanctions through so-called secondary sanctions that penalize entities dealing with blacklisted parties.

Li emphasized that China has drawn a clear line, declaring that Chinese companies will not comply with what it considers illegal U.S. restrictions.