WASHINGTON, March 16 (Reuters) – The long-awaited meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be postponed as the US president continues to focus on the war in Iran, the White House said on Monday.
Any delay in Trump’s trip to China, scheduled for March 31st to April 2nd, could increase tensions between Washington and Beijing, as the Iran crisis joins trade and Taiwan in the spectrum of issues separating the world’s two largest economies.
Iran responded to joint attacks by the US and Israel by threatening to fire on ships passing through the important Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil transits daily. Iran’s ships — including those destined for China — continue to use the strait, even though overall Middle Eastern exports have fallen by more than 60% since the start of the war.
“The president is looking forward to visiting China,” spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters. ‘Dates can be changed. As Commander-in-Chief, your number one priority right now is to ensure the continued success of this operation, Epic Fury. Therefore, we will keep you informed about the dates as soon as possible.’
Earlier on Fox News’ ‘Fox & Friends,’ Leavitt said: ‘I don’t think the reunion is in jeopardy, but it’s quite possible it could be postponed.’
