US and China Reach Consensus on Iranian Nuclear Program, Maritime Tolls, and Trade Cooperation

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed that no country or institution possesses the authority to impose tolls on international waterways, directly addressing recent threats by Iran to levy fees and disrupt shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

In a fact sheet released on September 25 by the White House following discussions between the two leaders, the administration outlined several key areas of bilateral consensus.

Beyond rejecting Iranian tolls along major crude oil export routes, both nations reaffirmed that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.

The talks also touched upon broader regional security matters involving Russia and North Korea, with President Trump endorsing trilateral arms control negotiations between the United States, Russia, and China.

In a notable shift regarding emerging technologies, Washington and Beijing agreed to adopt the term "Super Intelligence" (SI) in place of "artificial intelligence." To address potential risks associated with the technology, both nations have established the "US-China Super Intelligence Dialogue."

Economic and trade measures featured heavily in the discussions. The bilateral trade committee launched during the Beijing summit in May has entered full operations, yielding an agreement to recommend preferential tariff benefits on non-sensitive goods valued at $30 billion in both directions.

Under the agreement, American exports to China will encompass agricultural products, seafood, timber, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Additionally, reflecting the Trump administration's energy focus, China has agreed to import a minimum of 10 million tons of U.S. coal annually during 2027 and 2028. In return, Chinese exports of consumer goods to the U.S. will include small appliances, toys, and child car seats.

Addressing supply chain vulnerabilities, the White House confirmed that China is taking steps to resolve U.S. concerns regarding shortages of rare earth elements and critical minerals, aiming to restore supply to adequate levels. A new joint investment committee has also been created to streamline future commercial ventures and address emerging trade disputes.

On law enforcement cooperation, the U.S. welcomed China’s decision to designate "Orphin"—a potent synthetic painkiller similar to fentanyl—as a controlled substance, alongside stricter export controls on fentanyl precursors.

According to the White House, information shared by U.S. judicial authorities led Chinese officials to arrest 21 individuals in August connected to precursor shipments destined for North American drug manufacturers, with Washington recommending the highest statutory penalties, including the death penalty.