Donald Trump has requested a delay in his upcoming China visit, citing the escalating war with Iran. The move signals how the conflict is reshaping Washington’s foreign policy priorities.
The US president confirmed he wants to postpone his planned March 31–April 2 trip to China by “a month or so.”
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the decision was straightforward due to the ongoing war.
“There’s no tricks to it… we’ve got a war going on,” Trump told reporters.
He stressed that staying in Washington was essential to oversee developments related to the conflict.
The delayed trip was expected to include a key meeting with Xi Jinping.
The visit was seen as significant amid ongoing tensions between the United States and China.
Iran war reshapes foreign policy
The delay highlights how the war with Iran has disrupted US diplomatic plans.
The conflict has added to existing friction points between Washington and Beijing, including trade disputes and tensions over Taiwan.
The situation has intensified since the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on February 28.
Reports indicate more than 1,200 people were killed, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump has also linked the potential delay to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
He warned that the meeting could be postponed if China does not help ensure safe passage for ships in the vital waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Trump has urged multiple countries, including China, to help keep the route open, but the request has largely been rejected so far.
China yet to respond
China’s embassy in Washington has not issued an immediate response to Trump’s request.
Meanwhile, Beijing remains a key player, importing around 12 million barrels of oil per day in early 2026.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump still intends to visit China, though dates may change.
She emphasized that overseeing “Operation Epic Fury” remains the president’s top priority.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also backed the delay.
He said Trump’s presence in Washington is crucial for coordinating the war effort, rather than being linked to trade tensions.
Ongoing US-China talks
Bessent made the remarks from Paris, where trade talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are ongoing.
Discussions have included potential Chinese purchases of US agricultural goods such as poultry, beef, and non-soybean crops.
Negotiators are also discussing rare earth minerals, largely controlled by China, and broader strategies for managing trade and investment ties.
These talks could shape future economic relations between the two global powers.
