Trump, Xi To Wrap Up Two-Day Beijing Summit Amid Taiwan Tensions, Iran Truce And Trade Deals

360 Ships Trapped, 40 Escaping Daily: The Strait of Hormuz Bottleneck Shaking Global Trade

ABP Live Business — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:13:15 +0530

A growing maritime traffic jam inside the Strait of Hormuz is emerging as one of the biggest threats to global energy and commodity supply chains, with nearly 360 loaded cargo vessels currently stranded inside the Gulf.

Even under what shipping analysts describe as a “best-case” emergency evacuation scenario, only around 40 ships a day can safely exit the strategic waterway, a pace that could leave the global shipping system clogged for weeks.

The World’s Most Critical Energy Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz may appear as a narrow strip of water on the map, but its importance to the global economy is enormous.

Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade passes through the corridor, making any disruption in the region an immediate concern for energy markets, governments and shipping companies.

The latest crisis comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia and fears of a prolonged conflict disrupting shipping routes, oil supplies and industrial trade flows.

A Backlog Bigger Than the Exit Route

Shipping intelligence firm Kpler said around 360 laden commodity vessels are currently stuck in the Gulf region, while evacuation capacity remains heavily constrained, reported The Financial Express.

“Based on a 40-vessel-per-day ‘best case’ scenario, Kpler intelligence reveals that clearing the current backlog of around 360 laden commodity cargo ships will be a race against logistical bottlenecks and the limits of an untested Omani route,” the consultancy said.

The bottleneck has intensified despite US-backed efforts to facilitate the evacuation of commercial vessels trapped in the region.

However, analysts say physical limitations of the Strait itself make any rapid clearance highly unlikely.

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Why the Numbers Matter

Historical shipping data shows the Strait has never been designed to handle a sudden one-way evacuation of this scale.

Between January 2017 and February 2026, average laden vessel transit through Hormuz stood at around 41.3 ships per day.

Even after the initial escalation on February 28, only 38 loaded vessels exited the Gulf despite heightened urgency across shipping markets.

“This number is close to the pre-war average, suggesting that even with a high sense of urgency, the daily exit number is unlikely to exceed this threshold,” Kpler noted.

The highest daily vessel movement ever recorded through Hormuz was 62 ships on June 9, 2025, while the lowest dropped to just 18 vessels on February 5, 2021.

Not Just Oil Tankers

While crude oil dominates headlines, the stranded fleet represents a much wider slice of global trade.

Dry bulk cargoes currently account for the largest share of trapped vessels at 34 per cent, higher than their normal share of transit traffic.

Clean petroleum products, chemicals and biofuel shipments make up another 24 per cent of the backlog, while crude and condensate carriers account for 22 per cent.

The trapped fleet also includes LNG, LPG, ammonia and petrochemical cargoes, sectors that are deeply linked to power generation, fertilisers and industrial manufacturing.

The disruption has already fuelled volatility in oil prices, freight charges and marine insurance premiums as traders assess the possibility of prolonged supply disruptions.

India Watches Closely as Ships Begin Exiting

India, one of the world’s largest energy importers, is closely monitoring the situation.

On Thursday, Indian officials said diplomatic engagement with Iran had enabled some movement of Indian vessels stranded in the region.

“We have had forward movement as a result of our diplomatic engagement and conversations with the Iranians. So far, 13 Indian ships have exited the Strait of Hormuz. 11 ships continue to be in the Persian Gulf, and we continue to be in touch with the Iranian authorities so that the remaining ships can also cross the Strait of Hormuz and reach their destination in India,” a senior shipping ministry official said.

The development offers partial relief, although concerns remain over the pace of evacuations and the possibility of renewed disruptions.

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The Ripple Effect on Global Markets

Industry executives warn that even if military support enables safer movement through the Strait, the broader shipping ecosystem may continue facing disruptions for weeks.

Cargo rescheduling, vessel rerouting, higher insurance costs and congestion at ports are expected to keep pressure on commodity and energy markets.

The longer the backlog persists, the greater the risk of supply chain disruptions spreading into sectors beyond oil and gas, including fertilisers, chemicals, manufacturing and food logistics.

WATCH: UAE Air Force F-16s Escort PM Modi’s Aircraft Into Abu Dhabi Airspace

Bharathi SP — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:02:11 +0530

PM Modi UAE Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a high-profile welcome from the United Arab Emirates on Friday when two UAE Air Force F-16 Block 60 “Desert Falcon” fighter jets escorted Air India One as it entered Emirati airspace en route to Abu Dhabi. The rare military escort was widely viewed as a symbolic display of the deepening strategic partnership between India and the UAE amid rising tensions in West Asia.

Fighter Jet Escort Highlights Strategic Ties

The aerial reception came during Modi’s eighth visit to the UAE and marked the opening leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour. The escort carried additional significance because the same F-16 Block 60 “Desert Falcon” aircraft have reportedly been deployed recently to intercept drones and missiles during the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

#WATCH | UAE F16 jets escort PM Narendra Modi's aircraft as it enters UAE airspace. pic.twitter.com/mTESpw9tdM
— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2026

ALSO READ: ‘100% Correct’: Trump Agrees With Xi’s ‘Declining Nation’ Remark, Says It Referred To Biden Era

After arriving in Abu Dhabi, Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception and guard of honour before holding bilateral discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The leaders reportedly discussed energy cooperation, regional security developments, and broader international issues of mutual concern.

Modi Calls UAE His ‘Second Home’

During the visit, Modi once again described the UAE as his “second home,” reflecting India’s close social and economic relationship with the Gulf nation. More than four million Indians currently live and work in the Emirates, making it home to the largest Indian diaspora population in the Gulf region.

Reem Al Hashimy praised Modi during the visit, describing him as a “true treasure” for the UAE and expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation would reach “new mountaintops” in areas such as trade and technology.

The visit comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment as the UAE continues to confront regional security threats. Emirati officials have stated that the country has faced more than 2,500 drone and missile attacks linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its regional adversaries, with most reportedly intercepted successfully.

ALSO READ: Trump Says Xi Likely To Visit US Around Sept 24 After ‘Very Successful’ Beijing Talks

Against that backdrop, the fighter jet escort carried both diplomatic symbolism and strategic messaging.

Modi’s Tour Expands Focus to Europe

Following his engagements in Abu Dhabi, Modi is scheduled to continue his multi-country tour with visits to Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. In the Netherlands, the prime minister is expected to meet Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten along with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.

Talks there are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, water management, and defence cooperation.

During his Sweden visit, Modi will hold discussions with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and participate in an industry-focused event alongside Ursula von der Leyen.

Key agenda items are expected to include artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, sustainable industrial transitions, and resilient supply chains.

Trump Says Xi Likely To Visit US Around Sept 24 After ‘Very Successful’ Beijing Talks

Bharathi SP — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:59:32 +0530

Chinese president Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump on Friday hailed the latter's two-day state visit to Beijing as a major diplomatic success. The both leaders described the summit as a turning point in relations between the world’s two largest economies. The high-profile meetings concluded with optimistic messaging from both Washington and Beijing, as the leaders stressed cooperation, dialogue and a renewed effort to stabilize bilateral ties amid continuing global tensions.

Xi Calls Visit A ‘Landmark’ For Bilateral Relations

According to a Chinese state media summary of the talks held at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, Xi described Trump’s visit as a “historic” and “landmark” moment for China-US relations. The Chinese president said the summit had helped establish “a new positioning for the constructive, strategic, and stable relationship” between the two countries.

“President Trump hopes to make America great again, and I am committed to leading the Chinese people toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” Xi said during the discussions, as per reports. He added that both nations should work toward implementing the “important consensus” reached during the meetings and continue strengthening communication at multiple levels.

ALSO READ: India Sounds Alarm Of Hormuz Risks At BRICS Meet In Presence Of Iran And UAE

Trump Praises Xi, Signals Warm Personal Ties

Trump also struck a notably friendly tone throughout the visit, repeatedly referring to Xi as “an old friend” and praising the Chinese leader personally. Calling the summit “world-renowned and unforgettable,” Trump said he looked forward to maintaining “sincere and in-depth communication” with Xi in the future.

During a walk through Zhongnanhai’s gardens, Trump reportedly admired the landscaping and joked about Xi sending roses to Washington for the White House Rose Garden.

Speaking later to reporters, the US president thanked Xi and Chinese officials for their hospitality.

ALSO READ: ‘100% Correct’: Trump Agrees With Xi’s ‘Declining Nation’ Remark, Says It Referred To Biden Era

Xi Expected To Visit Washington Later This Year

Trump also revealed that Xi is expected to make a reciprocal visit to the United States around September 24, though exact dates have not yet been officially confirmed.

“And I believe on September 24th, or thereabouts, President Xi is going to be coming to the United States, and we will be reciprocal—like reciprocal trade, the visit will be reciprocal,” Trump said, as per the report.

The proposed visit would mark another major diplomatic engagement between the two leaders as both governments attempt to manage strategic competition while avoiding direct confrontation.

The Beijing summit covered a wide range of issues, including trade relations, Taiwan, Iran, and broader geopolitical tensions between China and the United States.

As the visit concluded, Air Force One departed Beijing carrying Trump back to Washington after what both sides described as a highly successful diplomatic engagement.

Breaking: Iran Foreign Minister Holds Talks with S. Jaishankar in New Delhi

ABP News Bureau — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:48:10 +0530

Tensions in West Asia continue to shape global diplomacy and economic concerns, with rising fuel prices adding to inflationary pressure in India. Amid this situation, a key diplomatic development is underway as Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (as referenced in the report) holds talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. The discussions focus on energy supply routes, regional stability, and particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which remains critical for global oil transportation. India has reiterated its stance on diplomacy and dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts, emphasizing that global supply chains—especially energy routes—must remain uninterrupted. At the same time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a five-nation diplomatic tour starting with the United Arab Emirates, aiming to strengthen energy security and bilateral ties amid geopolitical instability. He is scheduled to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss trade, investment, and regional stability. India is pursuing a balanced foreign policy by maintaining engagement with both Iran and key Gulf partners, while focusing on securing energy supplies and protecting national interests during a period of global uncertainty.

Donald Trump Beijing Visit: Xi Jinping gives a blunt warning to Trump on Taiwan, draws a firm red line

ABP Live — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:21:00 +0530

Donald Trump Beijing Visit: Xi Jinping gives a blunt warning to Trump on Taiwan, draws a firm red line

India-UAE Relations: PM Modi to Meet Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

ABP News Bureau — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:56:53 +0530

Narendra Modi has departed on a six-day, five-nation foreign tour aimed at strengthening India’s global partnerships amid ongoing geopolitical tensions worldwide. The Prime Minister first reached United Arab Emirates, where he is scheduled to meet UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions will focus on enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and reviewing the West Asia situation. After the UAE visit, PM Modi will travel to Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visit, continuing until May 20, is expected to boost trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation with key global partners. The tour also highlights India’s effort to strengthen bilateral ties during a period of global geopolitical uncertainty.

Adani Relief: US May Withdraw Charges Against Gautam Adani

ABP News Bureau — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:44:16 +0530

A major relief for Adani Group and industrialist Gautam Adani may be announced soon. According to media reports, the US Department of Justice is considering withdrawing the allegations against Gautam Adani, and an official announcement could come this week. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is also reportedly moving toward resolving the civil fraud case filed against Adani and his associates in November 2024. Reports suggest that this relief is linked to Adani Group’s proposed investment of 10 billion dollars in the United States, which is expected to generate around 15,000 jobs. Gautam Adani and his associates had faced allegations of bribery in exchange for securing contracts, though the Adani Group has consistently denied all charges. According to reports, the US administration may now ease legal action as part of broader economic and investment considerations.

Hormuz Tensions: Donald Trump Says China Won’t Arm Iran

ABP News Bureau — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:43:02 +0530

US President Donald Trump claimed that China will not provide any military assistance to Iran amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he recently spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who expressed support for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global trade and oil supply. According to Trump, China opposes Iran collecting toll taxes in the strategic waterway. He also stated that China will continue purchasing oil from Iran despite the tensions. Trump remarked that Iran had initially blocked the Hormuz route, after which the United States intervened. His statements have intensified discussions over China-Iran relations, global oil trade, and security in the Gulf region.

‘100% Correct’: Trump Agrees With Xi’s ‘Declining Nation’ Remark, Says It Referred To Biden Era

Bharathi SP — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:02:47 +0530

Trump Xi summit: Donald Trump on Friday sought to reinterpret comments made by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping about the United States allegedly being in decline, arguing that the Chinese leader was referring specifically to the period under former President Joe Biden rather than America under his own administration.

Posting on Truth Social ahead of the second day of his summit with Xi in Beijing, Trump defended America’s current global position while once again criticizing Biden’s presidency. “When President Xi very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps being a declining nation, he was pointing to the tremendous damage inflicted during the four years of Sleepy Joe Biden and the Biden administration, and on that score, he was 100% correct,” Trump wrote.

Xi’s Taiwan Warning Overshadowed Summit

It remains unclear whether Trump was referring to private discussions with Xi or public remarks made during the summit.

During Thursday’s opening meetings in Beijing, Xi did not publicly describe the United States as a “declining nation.” However, he strongly warned Washington against mishandling the Taiwan issue, calling it the most sensitive point in US-China relations.

Xi also referenced the “Thucydides Trap,” a geopolitical theory suggesting that conflict can arise when a rising power challenges an established global power. The concept was popularised by Harvard academic Graham Allison and traces back to the writings of ancient Greek historian Thucydides.

According to Chinese accounts of the meeting, Xi warned that disagreement over Taiwan could push bilateral relations toward “clashes and even conflicts.”

ALSO READ: Indian-Flagged Ship Sinks After Drone Strikes Near Strait Of Hormuz

Trump Highlights Economic Gains and Military Strength

Soon after Trump’s social media post, the White House amplified his remarks and repeated criticism of the Biden administration. Trump argued that the United States had experienced what he called an “incredible rise” during the first 16 months of his presidency. He pointed to strong stock market performance, job growth, foreign investment, military capabilities, and global influence as proof of America’s resurgence.

In his lengthy statement, Trump claimed Xi had praised several of his administration’s achievements and insisted the Chinese leader was not referring to his presidency when discussing American decline. “Two years ago, we were, in fact, a nation in decline. But now, the United States is the hottest nation anywhere in the world,” Trump wrote.

He also predicted that ties between Washington and Beijing could become “stronger and better than ever before.”

ALSO READ: BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meet Sparks Optimism For A Productive Summit

Beijing Summit Focuses on Trade, Taiwan and Global Stability

The high-profile summit between Trump and Xi has focused heavily on trade, Taiwan, Iran, and broader strategic competition between the world’s two largest economies.

While both leaders publicly adopted a relatively conciliatory tone, tensions over Taiwan remained central to the discussions. Xi urged cooperation and cautioned against confrontation, whereas Trump emphasized economic growth and renewed American strength.

Observers noted that although the summit produced warm optics and optimistic rhetoric, major disagreements between the two powers remain unresolved.

Trump, Xi To Wrap Up Two-Day Beijing Summit Amid Taiwan Tensions, Iran Truce And Trade Deals

Ayesha Fatima — Fri, 15 May 2026 08:07:57 +0530

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to conclude a two-day state visit on Friday, bringing an end to talks dominated by trade negotiations, diplomatic symbolism and renewed tensions over Taiwan.

The visit, Trump’s first to China since his 2017 trip, comes at a politically sensitive moment for the U.S. president, who is seeking concrete foreign policy wins ahead of key midterm elections amid falling approval ratings.

While both sides projected optimism about stabilising ties, Xi also issued a pointed warning that mishandling the Taiwan issue could severely damage relations between the world’s two largest economies.

Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet for tea and lunch before the U.S. president departs for Washington. Early on Friday, Trump struck an upbeat tone in a post on Truth Social, writing: “Hopefully our relationship with China will be stronger and better than ever before!”

Trade Truce Holds as Both Sides Signal Progress

A major focus of the summit has been preserving the fragile trade truce agreed upon during the leaders’ previous meeting in October.

At the time, Trump suspended steep tariffs on Chinese imports, while Xi stepped back from measures that could have disrupted global supplies of critical rare earth materials. The agreement helped cool tensions after months of economic uncertainty between the two nations.

Speaking on Thursday, Xi said negotiations had produced “balanced and positive outcomes”, though he stopped short of providing specific details on the agreements reached during the latest round of discussions.

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Boeing Deal and Farm Purchases Emerge as Key Outcomes

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Friday that both countries had made progress on several commercial agreements, although it remains unclear whether the current trade truce will be extended once it expires later this year.

Greer told Bloomberg TV that China had firmed up plans to purchase American farm products, beef and Boeing aircraft. He also said the two countries were working on mechanisms to better manage future bilateral trade relations.

According to Trump, China has agreed to order 200 Boeing commercial jets, marking its first purchase of U.S.-made passenger aircraft in nearly a decade. The deal could provide a major boost to Boeing at a time when the aerospace giant has been seeking to revive international demand.

Taiwan Issue Casts Shadow Over Diplomatic Optics

Despite the positive messaging around trade, Taiwan remained a sensitive topic throughout the summit.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who accompanied Trump on the trip, acknowledged that Chinese officials repeatedly raised the issue during discussions. Rubio stressed that Washington’s policy towards Taiwan had not changed.

“The Chinese always raise it ... we always make clear our position and we move on to the other topics,” Rubio told NBC News.

Trump declined to answer shouted questions from reporters about whether Taiwan had been discussed while posing with Xi at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a backdrop for part of the visit.

At Thursday evening’s lavish state banquet, Xi described the China-U.S. relationship as the most important bilateral relationship in the world and warned against allowing tensions to spiral.

“We must make it work and never mess it up,” the Chinese leader said.

ALSO READ | Indian-Flagged Ship Sinks After Drone Strikes Near Strait Of Hormuz

Jimmy Lai Case Raised During Talks

The issue of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai also surfaced during the visit.

Rubio said Trump personally raised Lai’s case with Xi. Lai, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent critics of Beijing, was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison on charges including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious material.

“The president always raises that case and a couple others, and obviously we’ll hope to get a positive response from that,” Rubio said in an interview with NBC News.

China has consistently rejected foreign criticism over the matter. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry previously said Hong Kong affairs are an internal issue for China.