The White House announced on Wednesday that a long-awaited summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing on May 14–15, following a delay caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Read More: Trump, Xi set crucial Beijing summit amid escalating Iran war
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the new dates during a press briefing, stating that the meeting had been postponed earlier due to the US administration’s focus on military developments in the Middle East. She emphasized that there were no specific preconditions attached to the rescheduling of the summit.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping to Meet in Beijing May 14–15 After Iran‑War Delay
The long‑anticipated summit, postponed amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, has been rescheduled for mid‑May as the leaders prepare for high‑level talks on trade, security, and other strategic issues… pic.twitter.com/Xz2kxfxKrK
— Washington Eye (@washington_EY) March 25, 2026
According to Leavitt, both leaders agreed to adjust the timeline, with Xi acknowledging the importance of Trump remaining in Washington during ongoing combat operations. The summit was initially expected to take place between March 31 and April 2, but uncertainty surrounding the regional conflict led to its postponement.
The upcoming meeting is expected to address a range of key issues between the two global powers. These include trade relations, particularly agricultural exports, and access to critical minerals, which remain central to ongoing economic discussions between Washington and Beijing.
Leavitt also revealed that Trump and First Lady Melania Trump plan to host Xi and his spouse, Peng Liyuan, in Washington later this year, though specific dates for the reciprocal visit have yet to be announced.
The rescheduled summit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and growing concerns over the global economic impact of the Iran conflict. The Trump administration is reportedly seeking ways to ease the situation, particularly as domestic political pressures mount ahead of upcoming midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.
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Observers view the meeting as a significant opportunity to stabilise relations between the United States and China during a period of global uncertainty.