Trump confirms May meeting with Xi Jinping as Iran war forces postponement

Trump's delayed meeting with Xi Jinping will be the first visit to China by a US president since 2017.

President Donald Trump will visit Beijing on May 14-15, 2026, for a rescheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, after postponing his original plans due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. The trip, initially planned for earlier in the year, was delayed so Trump could remain in Washington to manage the conflict. Despite the war continuing, the new travel dates signal a possible shift toward a resolution, with Trump administration officials hopeful for an endgame within four to six weeks of the attacks, which began on February 28. The summit with Xi is seen as a chance to reinforce a tentative trade truce, though relations have been strained as Trump urged Beijing and other global powers to secure the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil shipping route disrupted by Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure. Additionally, First Lady Melania Trump and President Trump plan to host President Xi and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan at the White House later this year. Trump expressed optimism about the summit, stating both leaders are looking forward to the meeting.