President Trump attending state banquet in Beijing [AP Yonhap News]

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping told him he was willing to help open the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Reuters and AFP, President Trump said in an interview with Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, who accompanied him on his trip to Beijing, "He (President Xi) wants to open the Strait of Hormuz. He said, 'If there's anything I can do to help, I want to help.'"

President Trump added, "He said he wouldn't provide military equipment (to Iran). He stated that strongly."

Since only a preview of the interview, with parts of President Trump's remarks edited, has been released, it remains to be seen if there are further specific details regarding President Xi's support, as the full interview is expected to be released on the evening of November 14th, U.S. Eastern Time.

Prior to his trip to China, President Trump had stated that China's help was not needed regarding the end of the Iran war and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, with Iran showing little sign of significant concessions in peace negotiations, a breakthrough is urgently needed.

In the interview, President Trump mentioned that President Xi agreed to purchase American soybeans, oil, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), and also to buy 200 Boeing 737 aircraft.

Kelly O'Toole, CEO of Boeing, accompanied President Trump on his trip to China. The U.S. media outlet The Hill reported that Boeing was negotiating the sale of 500 737 MAX aircraft to China.

On this trip to China, President Trump is primarily expecting an extension of the "trade truce" with China and sales of American soybeans, beef, and Boeing aircraft that can be presented as achievements for the November midterm elections. On the other hand, President Xi hopes for a change in President Trump's stance on the Taiwan issue and a relaxation of U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors to China, making it a point of interest as to what extent a compromise will be reached during the visit.