Trump threatens to postpone April Beijing summit with Xi Jinping if China refuses to help reopen Hormuz

President Trump threatened to postpone the planned April summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping if China does not help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the New York Times reported on March 16. Trump noted that Iran is allowing Chinese oil tankers to pass through Hormuz — the strait Iran has blockaded since February 28 — while attacking vessels from other countries. This asymmetric treatment gives China unique leverage over Iran that Trump is demanding China exercise. The planned April Beijing summit would be Trump's first state visit to China since his return to office. China's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded that both sides are 'still discussing' the Beijing trip, and said China is committed to de-escalation in the Middle East and is maintaining communication 'with all relevant parties.' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was meeting Chinese officials in Paris for trade talks on Monday. The threat to link the Beijing summit to Hormuz cooperation represents a significant escalation of US diplomatic pressure on China and adds a major new axis to the conflict's diplomatic fallout.