Trump confirms May meeting with Xi Jinping as Iran war forces postponement

March 26, 2026

President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit China on May 14-15 to meet with President Xi Jinping, marking the first such presidential visit in almost a decade. The originally scheduled March 31 trip was postponed due to ongoing US-Israel military operations against Iran, which have created a global fuel crisis after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also plans to host Xi in Washington later this year as both nations work to manage their strained relationship amid ongoing trade disputes, technology competition, and geopolitical tensions.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping
US and Chinese government officials involved in bilateral relations
Citizens and businesses in the US, China, Israel, Iran, and US-allied Gulf states
Global consumers and businesses affected by the fuel crisis resulting from the Strait of Hormuz closure
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

What action is being taken

US and Israel are conducting combat operations and wide-ranging strikes against Iran
Officials from both the US and China are finalizing preparations for the presidential visits
The US and China are maintaining communication regarding Trump's visit
Trump is urging US allies to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz
Chinese state media is encouraging US officials to visit and interact with Chinese counterparts

Why it matters

This visit represents a significant diplomatic engagement between the world's two largest economies after nearly a decade without a US presidential visit to China. The meeting comes at a critical time as both nations navigate serious tensions over trade, technology competition, and geopolitical issues, while simultaneously managing the global implications of the Iran conflict and resulting fuel crisis. High-level diplomatic engagement between US and Chinese leaders could help stabilize the bilateral relationship and address cooperation on global challenges that affect international security and economic stability.

What's next

Trump will visit China on May 14-15 to meet with President Xi Jinping
Trump will host President Xi in Washington DC later this year
The Iran conflict is expected to continue for approximately four to six weeks from the time of the press briefing

Read full article from source: BBC