This was surprising.
President Donald Trump signaled Monday that his long-anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be postponed as the White House focuses on the growing conflict with Iran.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump told reporters that his administration has requested a short delay in the meeting while the United States concentrates on military operations and global security concerns.
Trump told reporters that his team has asked to push the meeting back by about a month, adding that he still looks forward to sitting down with the Chinese leader when the visit takes place.
The summit had been expected to take place during a planned trip to China from March 31 through April 2, where Trump and Xi were scheduled to discuss trade relations, global stability, and economic cooperation.
However, the ongoing Iran conflict and its impact on global energy markets may force the White House to adjust the timeline.
War With Iran Reshapes Global Priorities
Trump made it clear that his immediate focus is overseeing the U.S. military response to Iran.
“We’ve got a war going on. I think it’s important that I be here,” the president explained. “So it could be that we delay it a little bit. It’s not much.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the president remains committed to meeting with Xi, but emphasized that national security comes first.
“It is a leader-to-leader conversation at this point,” Leavitt said during a briefing. “The president looks forward to visiting China. The dates may be moved.”
She added that Trump’s top priority right now is ensuring the success of the U.S. military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury.
“As commander in chief, his number one priority is making sure this operation succeeds,” Leavitt said.
Iran Disrupts Global Oil Supply
Since fighting began on February 28, Iran has attempted to pressure the United States and its allies by threatening shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The narrow waterway is one of the most important energy corridors in the world. More than a quarter of global seaborne oil shipments pass through the strait each year.
Recent attacks on tankers and commercial vessels have rattled markets and pushed oil prices higher. At one point Monday, crude oil briefly surged to $106 per barrel.
In response, the Trump administration announced a major international energy stabilization effort.
The United States will release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, part of a coordinated move by 32 nations to release roughly 400 million barrels into global markets.
Officials say the move is intended to prevent a major spike in fuel prices for American consumers.
Trump Urges Allies To Help Protect Shipping
President Trump has also called on allied nations to help patrol the Strait of Hormuz and protect vital shipping lanes.
Many countries depend heavily on oil shipments through the region, including China.
Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times that nations relying on the Strait should play a role in helping keep the vital shipping route safe.
China receives roughly 45% of its imported oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
So far, however, Beijing has not publicly committed to providing naval assistance.
During a briefing Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian reiterated Beijing’s call for a ceasefire between Iran, the United States, and Israel but did not address the shipping security issue directly.
Trump Shows Frustration With Some Allies
Trump acknowledged Monday that some nations have expressed strong support for protecting the waterway, while others appear less eager to get involved.
“We’re hammering Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said.
“Iran has always used that as an economic weapon, and it’s not going to be able to be used much longer.”
He added that several countries have already indicated they are willing to help patrol the area.
“Numerous countries have told me they’re on the way. Some are very enthusiastic,” Trump said.
“But some weren’t that enthusiastic—and the level of enthusiasm matters to me.”
“These people literally need it,” the president added. “They should be in here very happily helping us.”
Possible Delay Not Linked To China Dispute
Despite speculation, the White House insists that any delay of the Trump-Xi summit would not be related to pressure on China over the Strait of Hormuz.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the issue during an interview on CNBC.
Bessent said the idea that the talks would be postponed because the president pressured China to patrol the Strait of Hormuz is simply incorrect.
“If the summit is rescheduled, it would simply be because the president wants to remain in Washington to coordinate the war effort.”
Bessent is currently in Paris meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to lay the groundwork for the larger Trump-Xi talks.
Summit Still Expected
While the timeline may shift slightly, administration officials say the meeting between Trump and Xi remains a key diplomatic priority.
The summit is expected to focus on trade negotiations, global security concerns, and economic cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
For now, however, the White House says the president’s attention remains firmly on the escalating conflict in the Middle East and protecting global energy supply routes.