United States President Donald Trump will visit China later this month for high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as both nations seek to address tensions over trade and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Beijing confirmed the planned state visit describing it as an official engagement at the invitation of Xi.
“At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump will pay a state visit to China this month,” a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry announced.
The visit comes amid strained relations between Washington and Beijing over issues including trade tariffs, the Middle East crisis, and the status of Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
Trump had initially planned to visit China in late March or early April but reportedly postponed the trip to focus on the escalating Iran conflict.
According to US officials, Trump is expected to pressure Xi on Iran while also seeking progress in easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
China remains one of the biggest buyers of Iranian oil, particularly through independent “teapot” refineries that purchase discounted crude from Tehran.
US Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly described the trip as highly significant diplomatically.
“This will be a visit of tremendous symbolic significance,” Kelly told reporters during a media briefing.
“But of course, President Trump never travels for symbolism alone. The American people can expect the president to deliver more good deals on behalf of our country,” she added.
The White House said the visit will include elaborate ceremonies, a tour of Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven, and a state banquet hosted by Xi.
The upcoming trip will mark the first visit by a sitting US president to China in nine years.
[5/11, 12:08 PM] rosewendy: Donald Trump Visits China This Month for Iran, Trade Talks
