WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he has requested a delay of about one month for his planned visit to China, citing escalating tensions in Iran as a key concern shaping his foreign policy priorities.
The trip, initially scheduled for March 31 to April 2, now faces uncertainty as Washington shifts focus to the growing crisis in the Middle East. The development underscores how the Iran conflict is influencing U.S. diplomatic engagements, including already fragile relations with Beijing.
Tensions have surged after Iran threatened to target vessels in the Strait of Hormuz following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. Despite the warnings, shipping traffic through the critical oil route remains largely steady. Trump has urged global powers, including China, to help maintain maritime security, but Beijing has yet to publicly respond.
China, the world’s largest oil importer, has significant stakes in the region’s stability. However, it has not confirmed any dates for the U.S. president’s visit, keeping in line with its usual practice of withholding details of President Xi Jinping’s schedule.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue. U.S. officials met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris over the weekend to discuss trade, agriculture, and rare earth supplies ahead of a potential summit.
Trump last visited China in 2017. Analysts say the requested delay highlights the challenge of managing urgent geopolitical crises while sustaining long-term strategic partnerships.
