Trump signals possible delay of Xi summit as U.S. seeks help reopening Hormuz
Washington — Donald Trump said an upcoming summit in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping could be delayed as Washington seeks Beijing’s assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war involving Iran.
In an interview published Sunday by the Financial Times, Trump said the timing of the meeting could shift depending on progress in restoring navigation through the key oil transit route.
“We’d like to know before (the summit),” Trump said, adding that “we may delay,” without specifying how long a postponement might last.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects Gulf energy producers to global markets, has come under heightened strain during the conflict with Iran, raising concerns about disruptions to international oil shipments.
Washington has sought diplomatic and security cooperation from major powers to ensure the passage remains open as tensions across the Middle East escalate.
Trump’s remarks suggest the United States is looking to China to play a role in stabilizing the situation. Beijing maintains significant economic ties with Iran and is a major importer of Gulf energy supplies that pass through the strait.
The proposed summit in Beijing had been expected to focus on trade and geopolitical issues between the two powers, but Trump indicated that progress on the maritime corridor could influence whether the meeting proceeds on schedule.
