President Donald Trump is delaying his planned diplomatic trip to China by five to six weeks, citing the need to focus on the Iran war. He stated the meeting with President Xi Jinping is being "reset" and that China was "fine with it."
The trip, intended to build on a fragile trade truce, became entangled in Trump's push for nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Trump specifically urged China-which relies on the strait for 90% of its oil-to contribute warships, but received no commitments.
Trump framed the military action as a global favor, demanding oil-dependent nations share the burden. He lifted sanctions on Russian oil and tapped U.S. reserves to curb rising oil prices.
Chinese officials expressed openness to improved relations but stressed the U.S. must meet them halfway. The delay underscores volatility in U.S.-China ties amid shifting geopolitical priorities.