The long-awaited meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing on May 14-15, marking Trump’s first visit to China since 2017.
Postponed Visit Rescheduled
The Trump administration previously postponed the visit, initially planned for late March and early April, citing Donald Trump’s need to remain in Washington during tensions with Iran.
The White House explained that Trump did not want to leave the country amid the conflict. Reuters reported that Washington and Beijing remained in contact to arrange a new date.
Chinese Response to Delay
According to signals from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing accepted the U.S. explanation that the date change was related to the conflict with Iran, and not to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
China emphasized that both countries maintained communication regarding the organization of the meeting.
Trade and Geopolitical Tensions
The May meeting will be the first in-person encounter between Trump and Xi since their October talks in South Korea, which resulted in a trade truce.
The Associated Press suggests the new date indicates the White House sees increased room for diplomacy despite the ongoing conflict. Trump previously indicated the trip could be delayed if Beijing did not assist in protecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
