For subscribers
News analysis
Delay in Trump’s China visit gives both sides time to hammer out trade deal
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping leaving a bilateral meeting in Busan, South Korea, in October 2025.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Trump cited domestic issues amid the Middle East conflict for the delay, a reason Beijing can accept publicly, even if it might be viewed with some scepticism behind closed doors.
- The delay allows both sides to firm up objectives on energy, agriculture, and aircraft purchases, aiming for a productive summit.
- China is wary of Trump's request for help in the Strait of Hormuz, viewing it as sharing war risk, while the US seeks trade concessions.
AI generated
BEIJING – US President Donald Trump’s decision to delay his planned visit to China by about a month may offer both sides a useful window to firm up their objectives for the closely watched leaders’ summit, even as Washington frames the postponement in a way that avoids inflaming tensions with Beijing.
Analysts said Washington’s explanation – that domestic considerations amid the ongoing Middle East conflict were the reason for the postponement, rather than frustration over China’s stance on not helping to secure the Strait of Hormuz – is one that Beijing can accept publicly, even if it might be viewed with some scepticism behind closed doors.
