Trump Could Delay Beijing Summit Over Iran War Duties, Bessent Says

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that any potential delay to the planned March 31-April 2 summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping would stem from Trump's military duties amid the Iran war.

“Any Trump-Xi rescheduling would be over logistics, Bessent says WASHINGTON, March 16 (Reuters) - It remains to be seen if U”

AL-Monitor

Bessent made this clear during a press conference in Paris following two days of trade talks aimed at preparing for the highly anticipated meeting between the world's two most powerful leaders.

AL-Monitor

The Treasury Secretary emphasized that if postponement occurs, it would be because 'the commander-in-chief of the United States military believes that he should stay in the United States while this war is being prosecuted.'

Bessent explicitly stated that any delay would not have anything to do with China's stance on the Strait of Hormuz issue.

The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, creating significant international repercussions.

The conflict has shut down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flow, causing oil prices to rise.

Financial Times

This situation has raised fears of renewed global inflation spikes as energy supplies become disrupted.

President Trump has publicly stated that he may postpone the Beijing summit if China does not help unblock the strait.

Trump indicated that waiting until the summit for an answer from China may be too long, stating 'We'd like to know before that.'

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the summit, U.S. and Chinese officials held constructive talks in Paris aimed at preparing for the potential Trump-Xi meeting.

“War in theMiddle East Advertisement Supported by President Trump warned that he could postpone a meeting set to begin in just over two weeks if China refuses to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz”

The New York Times

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer led two days of discussions at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development headquarters.

The talks resulted in agreement on general terms of a 'work plan' to tee up agreements for the leaders to consider.

This included expanding U.S. exports of agricultural and energy goods to China.

The sides also discussed establishing a formal mechanism to manage trade, potentially called the U.S.-China Board of Trade.

China has responded cautiously to Trump's demands for naval assistance in the Strait of Hormuz situation.

The Chinese foreign ministry has not immediately responded to requests for comment on Trump's potential summit postponement.

AL-Monitor

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman emphasized that 'head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable, strategic guiding role in China-U.S.' relations.

China, as the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, has previously called for the cessation of hostilities rather than taking sides in the conflict.

Chinese chief trade negotiator Li Chenggang described the Paris talks as 'in-depth, candid and constructive consultations.'

The potential summit delay reflects the broader challenges facing U.S.-China relations amid the escalating Iran conflict.

“Any Trump-Xi rescheduling would be over logistics, Bessent says WASHINGTON, March 16 (Reuters) - It remains to be seen if U”

AL-Monitor

Trade analysts suggest that major breakthroughs may be limited regardless of whether the meeting proceeds as scheduled.

Financial Times

The Paris talks followed several meetings aimed at easing tensions between the economic superpowers.

With little time to prepare and Washington's attention focused on the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, prospects for significant agreements appear constrained.

Both countries may have opportunities to advance their relationship through multiple planned meetings this year.

Former U.S. trade negotiator Wendy Cutler suggested that 'given that the leaders may meet up to four times this year, these deliverables maybe can be spread out, rolled out over the year.'