WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump will visit China from May 13 to 15, Beijing confirmed on Monday, with the US leader expected to hold discussions on Iran and trade with his Chinese counterpart.
Washington and Beijing have remained at odds over several major issues, including trade tariffs, the Middle East conflict, and Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.
Trump had originally planned to travel to China in late March or early April, but delayed the visit to focus on the war involving Iran.
“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 spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said.
According to US officials, Trump is expected to urge President Xi on issues related to Iran while also seeking to reduce trade tensions between the two countries.
China remains one of the main buyers of Iranian oil, largely through independent “teapot” refineries that depend on discounted crude supplies from the Islamic republic.
“This will be a visit of tremendous symbolic significance,” US Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told reporters during a media call.
“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.
Trump’s first visit to China during his second term is expected to include ceremonial events, including a tour of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and a lavish state banquet hosted by Chinese officials, according to the White House.
The trip will mark the first visit by a US president to China since 2017.