Donald Trump Postpones Meeting with Xi Jinping Due to Iran Conflict
President Donald Trump of the United States has announced his intention to postpone a highly anticipated state visit to China originally scheduled for early April. The delay of approximately one month is attributed to his administration’s full focus on the US-Israel military campaign against Iran.
“We have requested that the plan be postponed by around one month or more,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday local time.
He emphasised there were no hidden motives behind the decision. “There is no trick behind it. It is very straightforward. We are facing an ongoing war. I believe it is important for me to be here in the US,” he added.
The postponement request underscores how the conflict with Iran has disrupted Trump’s foreign policy agenda. The visit, originally scheduled for 31 March to 2 April to meet President Xi Jinping, must now be rescheduled.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the President still plans to visit China, but the schedule must remain flexible. “As the highest commander, his top priority at present is ensuring the continued success of Operation Epic Fury,” Leavitt explained to media.
Tensions in the Middle East reached a critical point after the US and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran on 28 February. The military operation reportedly killed more than 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Beyond war coordination factors, the postponement also reflects Trump’s efforts to pressure China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping route, which carries one-fifth of the world’s oil, is currently closed by Iran to vessels associated with the US and Israel.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Trump’s presence in Washington is crucial for coordinating war efforts, rather than merely responding to China’s non-compliance with requests regarding the Strait of Hormuz or trade disputes. “Travelling abroad at such a time may not be the optimal choice,” Bessent said from Paris.
Although high-level diplomacy in Washington is postponed, technical talks continue. In Paris, US and Chinese delegations have reportedly begun showing promise. China has expressed openness to increasing purchases of US agricultural products, including poultry and beef. Both sides are also discussing rare earth mineral supplies controlled by China and a new approach to managing investments between the two economic superpowers.
To date, China’s Embassy in Washington has not issued an official statement regarding the request to postpone the meeting between the two heads of state.