KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump has confirmed the postponement of his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Trump had been due to visit Beijing from March 31 to April 2, but said the trip would now be delayed by about five weeks, likely taking place in late April.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump said, “We will reschedule the meeting. We are in contact with China and they agree with this decision.”
He emphasised that he needed to remain in Washington due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has now entered its third week.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Beijing and Washington remain in contact regarding the new timing of the visit.
The meeting is expected to address a range of issues, including trade tariffs, China’s export restrictions on rare materials, US relations with Taiwan and fentanyl exports from China.
Trump also urged China to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global trade and Middle Eastern oil exports.
Iran blocked the strait following US and Israeli strikes.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Around 20 percent of the world’s crude oil passes through it and any disruption could significantly impact global energy markets.
kk/sa
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