Trump postpones China trip: 'I have to be here' because of Iran war
2026-03-16 - 22:42
President Donald Trump announced Monday that he has requested to postpone a planned trip to China by approximately one month, explaining that the ongoing war with Iran requires his presence in Washington. Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized that managing the military operation against Iran takes priority over international travel at this critical juncture. President explains decision "I'd love to, but because of the war, I want to be here. I have to be here, I feel," Trump told journalists when asked about the delayed visit. The president confirmed that administration officials are currently in communication with Chinese counterparts regarding the scheduling change. "We're working on that right now. We're speaking to China," he said, adding that he looks forward to eventually meeting with Chinese leaders. Trump characterized US-China relations as "very good," noting "there's no tricks to it either. It's very simple. We've got a war going on. I think it's important that I be here." Diplomatic communications continue China's Foreign Ministry earlier Monday confirmed that Washington and Beijing remain in dialogue over the proposed leaders' summit, indicating that both sides are managing the postponement diplomatically. The delay reflects how the widening Middle East conflict is now affecting high-level international engagements beyond the immediate region. Regional conflict intensifies The war driving Trump's schedule change began Feb. 28 when the US and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran, resulting in more than 1,200 fatalities including a former Iranian leader. Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting American military assets. Additionally, Iran has effectively closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz since early March, disrupting a waterway that normally handles approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily—roughly one-fifth of global supply—and sending energy prices higher worldwide.