The Trump administration said the Middle East would “recede” in importance as the China challenge took priority. But the president started the war in Iran.

With the Xi-Trump summit almost certainly delayed, and tensions rising over the war in Iran, vital issues for both the U.S. and China are also being cast into uncertainty.

China’s oil imports rose nearly 16 percent in the first two months of 2026, adding to its growing energy stockpile.

The “Project Vault” initiative is intended to reduce U.S. reliance on China for key technology components.