1 hour ago
Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 19:35 IST
A meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping may be postponed due to the Iran conflict, confirmed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
A meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping may be postponed due to the Iran conflict, confirmed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. (Image: AP)
A planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping could be postponed as the United States continues to focus on the ongoing war involving Iran, US officials have indicated.
The initial speculation was for postponing the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping was that China had not committed to helping secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict.
Speaking to reporters, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a possible postponement of the Trump-Xi meeting was “in the cards" as Washington deals with the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
NOW – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says a possible “postponement" of the Trump-Xi China visit is in the cards while the Iran War is being prosecuted: “It would have nothing to do with the Chinese making a commitment to the Straits of Hormuz." pic.twitter.com/6hIT7147Cb— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 16, 2026
Bessent clarified that any delay would not be linked to Beijing’s stance on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. “It would have nothing to do with the Chinese making a commitment to the Straits of Hormuz," he said.
Separately, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the summit was not in jeopardy but acknowledged that scheduling changes remain possible.
“I don’t think the meeting is in jeopardy, but it’s quite possible the meeting could be delayed," she said, adding that the timing of the trip remains under discussion.
.@PressSec: “I don’t think the meeting is in jeopardy, but it’s quite possible the meeting could be delayed… I know President Xi was very excited to welcome @POTUS to Beijing, and I know @POTUS looks forward to this trip. It’s really just a matter of the timing." pic.twitter.com/eiuY6vcvGR— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 16, 2026
Leavitt also noted that Beijing had been preparing to host the US president and that the Chinese leadership was looking forward to the visit.
“I know President Xi was very excited to welcome President Trump to Beijing, and I know President Trump looks forward to this trip. It’s really just a matter of the timing," she said.
Trump last week had urged a coalition of nations, including China, to deploy warships in the Strait to ensure a safe passage for oil and gas shipments amid Iranian drone and missile strikes on vessels passing through.
The meeting between Trump and Xi was expected to address a range of issues, including trade, security and global economic stability, and would mark a major diplomatic engagement between the world’s two largest economies.
Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:
March 16, 2026, 19:35 IST
News world ‘Nothing To Do With Hormuz Commitment’: US On Possible Delay Of Trump-Xi Meeting
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