Trump seeks to delay Xi summit as Iran war reshapes priorities

Wednesday 18 March 2026 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Trump seeks to delay Xi summit as Iran war reshapes priorities

US President Donald Trump said he has requested a one month delay to his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing the ongoing war with Iran as the reason for remaining in Washington.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said he wanted to travel to China but considered it necessary to stay in the United States due to the conflict. The meeting had been scheduled from March 31 to April 2 in Beijing and would have marked his first visit to China during his second term. The delay risks adding uncertainty to already strained US China relations, particularly on trade and tariffs.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sought to reassure markets, saying the potential postponement should be seen as a logistical decision rather than a political signal. Speaking from Paris after trade talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, Bessent said the president’s priority is coordinating the war effort and that international travel may not be appropriate at this stage.

He also dismissed speculation that the delay was linked to US pressure on China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed to oil tankers since the conflict began. Trump had suggested in a previous interview that he wanted clarity on China’s role in securing the waterway before proceeding with the visit.

The White House said the trip remains under consideration but acknowledged that the schedule could change. Officials stressed that Trump’s focus as commander in chief is on the ongoing military campaign against Iran.

The conflict, now entering its fourth week, began on February 28 with coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. According to US Central Command, the operation has included more than 6,000 combat sorties and the destruction of over 100 Iranian naval vessels. On March 13, US forces carried out a large scale strike on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks on US and allied positions in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

China said diplomatic communication regarding the summit continues. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described high level engagement as essential to bilateral relations while calling on all parties to reduce hostilities.