Global
China confirms US President’s visit this week
BEIJING: Donald Trump will visit China from May 13 to 15, Beijing confirmed on Monday, with the US president expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Iran, trade and regional security issues.
The announcement was made by China’s foreign ministry, which said Trump’s trip would take place at the invitation of Xi Jinping.
“At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President of the United States of America Donald J Trump will pay a state visit to China from May 13 to 15,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said.
The visit comes as Washington and Beijing remain locked in disputes over tariffs, the Middle East conflict and the issue of Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
Trump had initially planned to travel to China in late March or early April but postponed the trip to focus on the war involving Iran.
According to US officials, the American president is expected to press Xi Jinping on Iran during the visit while also seeking ways to reduce tensions over trade.
China remains one of the biggest buyers of Iranian oil, particularly through independent “teapot” refineries that rely heavily on discounted crude supplies from Tehran.
“This will be a visit of tremendous symbolic significance,” White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told reporters.
“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 Trump’s first trip to China during his second presidential term would include ceremonial events such as a visit to the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet in Beijing.
The visit will mark the first trip by a US president to China since 2017.
