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Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026
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Trump Says US Asked China to Delay Beijing Summit With Xi by ‘a Month or So’
President signals schedule change for planned China visit as Washington focuses on major international developments
President Donald Trump has said the United States has asked China to delay his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing by roughly a month, citing the need to remain closely engaged with ongoing global developments.
The meeting between the two leaders had been expected to take place in Beijing at the end of March, marking the first presidential visit to China of Trump’s current term.
The summit was widely anticipated as a key opportunity for the world’s two largest economies to address trade issues, strategic competition and broader geopolitical coordination.
Speaking about the proposed adjustment, Trump indicated that the request for a delay reflects the administration’s immediate focus on managing major international events, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran and efforts to secure global shipping routes in the Middle East.
The president said remaining in Washington during this period is important as the United States coordinates responses with allies and partners.
White House officials emphasized that the summit itself remains firmly on the diplomatic agenda and that both governments continue to communicate about the visit.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the meeting is not in jeopardy and that any change in timing would be logistical rather than a reflection of tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Chinese authorities have also confirmed that discussions with the United States regarding the visit are ongoing.
Diplomats from both countries have continued preparations for leader-level talks, including earlier negotiations between senior economic officials aimed at stabilizing trade relations and exploring areas of cooperation.
The potential summit is viewed as a significant diplomatic moment in the evolving relationship between the United States and China.
Officials on both sides have indicated that discussions could address economic ties, supply chain resilience and broader global security challenges.
While the exact schedule for the meeting remains under review, Trump reiterated that he looks forward to holding direct talks with Xi. Administration officials say a revised timetable could be announced once diplomatic and logistical arrangements are finalized.
The meeting between the two leaders had been expected to take place in Beijing at the end of March, marking the first presidential visit to China of Trump’s current term.
The summit was widely anticipated as a key opportunity for the world’s two largest economies to address trade issues, strategic competition and broader geopolitical coordination.
Speaking about the proposed adjustment, Trump indicated that the request for a delay reflects the administration’s immediate focus on managing major international events, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran and efforts to secure global shipping routes in the Middle East.
The president said remaining in Washington during this period is important as the United States coordinates responses with allies and partners.
White House officials emphasized that the summit itself remains firmly on the diplomatic agenda and that both governments continue to communicate about the visit.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the meeting is not in jeopardy and that any change in timing would be logistical rather than a reflection of tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Chinese authorities have also confirmed that discussions with the United States regarding the visit are ongoing.
Diplomats from both countries have continued preparations for leader-level talks, including earlier negotiations between senior economic officials aimed at stabilizing trade relations and exploring areas of cooperation.
The potential summit is viewed as a significant diplomatic moment in the evolving relationship between the United States and China.
Officials on both sides have indicated that discussions could address economic ties, supply chain resilience and broader global security challenges.
While the exact schedule for the meeting remains under review, Trump reiterated that he looks forward to holding direct talks with Xi. Administration officials say a revised timetable could be announced once diplomatic and logistical arrangements are finalized.
