Micah Jonah
March 17, 2026
Plans for a high-level summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have been delayed, casting uncertainty over ongoing efforts to stabilise trade relations between the world’s two largest economies.
The meeting, originally scheduled to take place in Beijing later this month, was postponed following a request from Trump, with officials citing complications linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and broader foreign policy priorities.
The delay comes shortly after both countries concluded trade negotiations in Paris aimed at laying the groundwork for the summit. Discussions focused on key areas including agricultural trade and the supply of rare earth minerals, with China reportedly open to increasing imports of U.S. products such as poultry, beef and other goods.
U.S. officials have given differing reasons for the postponement. Trump suggested over the weekend that the meeting could be delayed if China did not assist in addressing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later said the delay was due to the need to coordinate the ongoing war effort, rather than disagreements over trade.
The postponement follows recent tensions, including new U.S. investigations into what it describes as unfair trade practices, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s global tariff measures last month.
Chinese officials described the recent trade talks as constructive but warned against actions that could destabilise economic relations. China’s foreign ministry said communication between both sides remains ongoing regarding the timing of the visit.
Despite the delay, both countries are expected to continue efforts to maintain stable relations while preparing for a future meeting between the two leaders. Analysts say the summit remains an important step in managing economic ties amid rising global uncertainty.
