India, May 9 -- The recent visit of Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi to Beijing on May 6, 2026, represents a high-stakes diplomatic manoeuvering ahead of a pivotal summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14-15, 2026.

This was Araghchi's first visit to China since the outbreak of the war on February 28, 2026 and was an attempt by Tehran to secure a "diplomatic shield." This diplomatic engagement highlights China's increasing influence as a mediator in West Asia crisis.

The timing of Araghchi's visit-just one week before Trump's scheduled arrival in Beijing on May 14-was a deliberate move to influence the upcoming US-China agenda. The Strait of Hormuz crisis and the resulting global oil supp...