BEIJING: China said Wednesday that it was in contact with the United States about a postponed visit by Donald Trump but was tight-lipped about a timetable after the US leader said he would make the trip in five or six weeks.
The visit, which was originally set to start March 31, has been highly anticipated given the powersâ strategic and commercial rivalry that has been exacerbated by Trumpâs aggressive tariff campaign. âBoth China and the United States will continue to maintain communication regarding President Trumpâs visit to China,â Lin Jian, a spokesman for Chinaâs foreign ministry, told a news conference.
The visit, which was months on the making, has been disrupted by the war in the Middle East.Trump said on Tuesday that the high-stakes trip would take place in âfive or six weeksâ. He suggested on Sunday that the date of his trip could depend on whether China assists in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed off by Iran in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes on Tehran.
Trump confirmed a day later the likelihood of a delay, but instead cited the need to remain in the United States due to the war. China has never publicly confirmed any date for the visit, in line with its usual practice.
