BEIJING, March 17 — China said it has “noted” clarifications from the United States regarding reports of a possible delay in Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing.
BEIJING, March 17 — China said it has “noted” clarifications from the United States regarding reports of a possible delay in Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing.
Trump had initially been expected to travel at the end of March, but said on Monday he had asked for the summit with Xi Jinping to be postponed by about a month as he focuses on the Middle East conflict.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the US had publicly dismissed media reports suggesting the delay was linked to navigation issues in the Strait of Hormuz, calling such claims “completely wrong”.
He added that both countries remain in communication over the proposed visit, without giving further details.
Earlier, Trump had indicated the trip might depend on China’s response to his call for assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route disrupted after Iran moved to close it following US and Israeli strikes.
However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later rejected that link, describing it as a “false narrative”.
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and its closure has driven prices above US$100 per barrel.
Washington previously said Trump’s visit could take place from March 31 to April 2 to help reset bilateral ties and extend a trade truce, though Beijing has yet to confirm the schedule. — AFP
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