Trump’s China visit set for May 14–15 after delay over Iran war; talks with Xi planned in Beijing

The White House announced on Wednesday that Donald Trump will visit China on May 14 and 15 for a two-day state visit, during which he is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.The visit was originally planned for earlier in May but was postponed due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Beijing had understood the need to reschedule.“I’m pleased to announce that President Trump’s long-awaited meeting with President Xi will now take place in Beijing on May 14 and 15,” Leavitt said during a press briefing.She added that a reciprocal visit is expected later this year, when Trump and first lady Melania Trump will host Xi and his wife in Washington, DC, on a date yet to be announced. Trump confirmed the revised schedule in a post on Truth Social, saying preparations are underway. “Our representatives are finalizing preparations for these historic visits,” he wrote. “I look very much forward to spending time with President Xi in what will be, I am sure, a monumental event.”The trip will mark Trump’s first visit to China in eight years and his first in-person meeting with Xi since their October meeting in South Korea, where the two leaders agreed to a temporary trade truce.The visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Talks are expected to focus on trade, particularly agriculture and aircraft components, as well as sensitive issues such as Taiwan. Trump has increased US arms sales to Taiwan during his second term, drawing criticism from Beijing, which considers the island part of its territory.The ongoing Iran-related conflict remains a complicating factor. The Trump administration has sought support from major oil-consuming countries, including China, in response to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, though Beijing has not issued a direct response.When asked about the conflict’s possible timeline, Leavitt said, “We’ve always estimated approximately four to six weeks.”China’s embassy said it had no immediate information on the visit, in line with Beijing’s usual practice of confirming such engagements closer to the scheduled date.