US President Trump delays meeting with Chinese leader due to ongoing conflict

US President Donald Trump Delays Trip to Beijing Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict

President Trump has confirmed that his planned visit to China in late March has been rescheduled due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The trip was initially set for March 31 to April 2, but it will now take place “about five weeks” or towards the end of April.

The decision comes as the US and Israel continue their military operation against Iran, which has consumed most of Washington’s attention. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global trade and Middle East oil exports, remains closed to almost all shipping due to the conflict.

In a statement, Trump stated that he wants to remain in Washington to oversee the situation. He also expressed his desire to discuss various issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including trade tariffs, export controls on rare earth minerals and magnets, and the US relationship with Taiwan.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the two leaders are in communication about Trump’s plans to visit. The US-China trade war was put on pause in October after a meeting between Xi and Trump in South Korea, and both sides have been working on a more comprehensive trade agreement.

Trump has also sought China’s help in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Tehran since the start of the conflict. The waterway is crucial for global trade and oil exports, and its closure has led to significant fluctuations in oil prices.

The International Crisis Group has noted that Trump’s decision may have implications for his meeting with Xi next month.

Source: Al Jazeera