Trump Delays China Trip Citing Iran Conflict, Raising Questions Over Summit with Xi
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has requested a delay of his planned trip to China, citing the ongoing conflict in Iran as the reason. The move casts uncertainty over a potential summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, previously scheduled for the end of the month.
Delay Request and Rationale
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated, “I’d love to [go to China], but because of the war, I want to be here. I have to be here, I feel. And so we’ve requested that we delay it a month or so.” He emphasized the importance of his presence in the United States during the current crisis, adding, “It’s very simple. We’ve got a war going on. I think it’s critical that I be here, so it could be that we delay a little bit, not much.”
As of Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Chinese Embassy in Washington has not yet issued a response to Trump’s announcement according to the Financial Times.
Administration Signals Potential Shift
Concerns about the trip’s viability surfaced earlier in the day, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting it might not proceed as originally planned. Bessent clarified that the potential delay was not intended as a tactic to pressure Beijing regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as reported by Reuters.
Strait of Hormuz and China’s Role
The discussion around the Strait of Hormuz stems from recent attacks on ships following the outbreak of the war in Iran, effectively closing the crucial trade route through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes. Trump has called for international assistance in reopening the strait, specifically mentioning China, France, Japan, South Korea, the U.K., and other nations as noted by the Fresh York Times.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed expectations that China would be a “constructive partner” in securing the strait. Although, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson indicated that China prioritizes a cessation of hostilities, without directly addressing Trump’s request for assistance according to Politico.
China’s Position and Economic Interests
China, the world’s largest energy importer and a key ally of Iran, has condemned the U.S. And Israel’s strikes, asserting they violate international law and defending Iran’s sovereignty. Given that China sources roughly half of its oil from the Middle East, a disruption to the Strait of Hormuz would significantly impact its economy. Reports indicate that ships traveling through the strait are now identifying themselves as linked to China to avoid potential attacks.
Bessent also noted that some vessels, including Chinese ships, are successfully navigating the strait.