Trump Warns Xi Against Backing Iran

Perdue emphasized that Trump personally delivered to Xi the U.S. position that direct and indirect support, including intelligence and military equipment, is firmly prohibited.

Xi had tried to use the Taiwan independence issue as a bargaining chip in exchange for easing sanctions on Iran, but the effort failed.

The U.S. has defined its Taiwan commitments and the Iran issue as separate matters, and will handle the two agendas separately in the interest of both countries.

According to Perdue, Trump and Xi have begun to build a degree of trust and are cooperating on bilateral issues.

The talks were held in a frank and open atmosphere, and the rapport the two leaders showed on difficult issues serves as a driving force that makes negotiation possible despite competing national interests.

David Perdue served six years as a U.S. senator and, before that, was known as a businessman who successfully ran a nationwide dollar-store chain. Based on this background, he is seen as well suited to the ambassadorship given his strong understanding of both business and politics.