President Trump is contemplating delaying a high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, originally slated for March 31 in Beijing. The potential postponement stems from escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing war in Iran and Trump’s demand for China to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route now facing an Iranian blockade. The situation has introduced new complexities into the relationship between the world’s two largest economies.
President Trump publicly stated his consideration of postponing the summit with Xi Jinping, which was scheduled to begin on March 31 in Beijing. This potential delay is directly linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran and Trump’s call for China to contribute naval forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump expressed a desire for an answer from China on this matter before the summit, suggesting that waiting until then might be too late.
China, a major importer of Iranian oil, has maintained a cautious stance, calling for a cessation of hostilities. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry highlighted the strategic importance of head-of-state diplomacy in U.S.-China relations and confirmed that discussions regarding the summit’s plans were ongoing.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, while in Paris for preparatory talks with his Chinese counterparts, offered a nuanced view on the potential delay. Bessent suggested that if the meeting is postponed, it would be due to logistical considerations arising from the war in Iran, allowing President Trump to remain in the United States to coordinate the war effort. He emphasized that such a delay would not be a direct consequence of demanding China’s involvement in policing the Strait of Hormuz.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later reaffirmed that the trip might be delayed because the President’s “No. 1 priority right now is to ensure the continued success of this operation, Epic Fury.”
The conflict, which began late last month, has already caused oil prices to surge above $100 a barrel. Iran’s retaliation, including effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, has disrupted global shipping and exacerbated economic concerns. Experts suggest that China may view the U.S. administration’s mixed messaging as a sign of erratic behavior, potentially damaging U.S. credibility on the global stage.
Despite the current volatility, Bessent expressed optimism that oil prices would stabilize and that the world would emerge safer and better supplied once the conflict concludes.