In delaying China summit, Trump faces a familiar Mideast distraction

The U.S. can’t seem to focus on China.

- Brian Spegele

For years, American presidents from both political parties have pledged to concentrate their energies on competing with Beijing and managing the often fraught relationship between the world’s two largest economies. Time and again, conflicts elsewhere have distracted them.

For Beijing, statements by Trump this week that he wants to push back a planned visit to China bring frustration and relief. The trip remains a priority for China's government because it could help secure a new trade deal, benefiting China’s struggling economy.

At the same time, postponing the visit while the war in Iran rages would save leader Xi Jinping from the awkward optics of rolling out the red carpet for a U.S. president who is bombing one of China’s closest friends in the Middle East.

Trump had been expected to travel to Beijing from March 31 to April 2. The president told reporters on Tuesday that he aimed to delay his visit by five or six weeks as he focuses on the Iran war, and that China was “fine” with the postponement.

“Hook forward to seeing President Xi. He looks forward to seeing me, I think,” Trump said.

A spokesman for China’s Foreign Minisry on Wednesday said the two countries would remain in contact about Trump's visit to China, but didn’t provide details on timing.

Despite Trump’s wielding of tariffs since his return to the White House last year, China has held out hope for better ties with the US. The president has lavished personal praise on Xi, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken positively of more high-level discussions between the countries, including after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.