Trump seeks to delay China summit due to Iran war

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he plans to postpone his important trip to China, originally scheduled for late March, by about a month due to the ongoing war in Iran. “We’ve asked to delay it for a month or so,” he told reporters at the White House. He emphasized the need to be present to manage the conflict. The meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is now set to occur between April 31 and April 2, following their last in-person discussion in October of the previous year. The war in Iran has overshadowed many of Trump’s other foreign policy goals, as the situation escalates and disrupts global oil supplies, which could lead to higher prices in the US. The BBC has reached out to the Chinese embassy in Washington for a response. Trump mentioned that he suggested the delay to ensure he could oversee the war efforts. “I’m looking forward to being with him,” he said about Xi. “We have a very good relationship.” Trump clarified, “There are no tricks involved. It’s very straightforward. We have a war happening. I believe it’s essential for me to be here.” This announcement follows Trump’s statement to the Financial Times, where he indicated that he might delay the meeting if China did not assist in clearing the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for energy shipments in the Gulf. He also urged other countries to help ensure safe passage for ships in that area.