President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Xi Jinping is expected to take place under heightened tension following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a leader whose government maintained close economic ties with Beijing.

The operation marks the second time in recent months that Washington has taken dramatic action against a major Chinese partner. In January, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, another leader aligned with China.

Despite its strong economic and political ties with Iran, Beijing’s response to the latest escalation has been largely limited to sharp diplomatic criticism and calls for restraint. Chinese officials condemned the strikes and urged an immediate ceasefire and renewed negotiations to prevent further regional instability.

Some analysts say China’s measured reaction reflects a broader strategic calculation, as Beijing may be reluctant to jeopardize Trump’s planned visit to China, which the White House has said could begin around March 31. The meeting is expected to focus heavily on maintaining a fragile trade truce between the world’s two largest economies.

Beijing has not yet formally confirmed the dates for the summit. If the visit proceeds as planned, it could take place while U.S. military operations against Iran are still underway. Trump has suggested the campaign could continue for four to five weeks or longer.

The conflict also carries economic implications for China, which relies heavily on Iranian oil imports and could face supply disruptions if the war affects shipping routes or energy production in the region.

For now, China appears to be weighing its diplomatic response carefully, balancing criticism of the strikes with its broader interest in stabilizing relations with Washington ahead of the high-stakes meeting between the two leaders.