Trump-Xi Summit Rescheduled for May 14–15 in Beijing After War-Related Delay

The White House has confirmed that a long-anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will now take place in Beijing on May 14–15, following a postponement linked to the ongoing US-Israeli war involving Iran.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the new dates during a press briefing, noting that the meeting is part of broader efforts by Washington to address key bilateral issues with Beijing, including trade in agricultural goods and critical minerals.

“I’m pleased to announce that President Trump’s long-awaited meeting with President Xi in China will now take place in Beijing on May 14th and 15th,” Leavitt said.

She also disclosed plans for a reciprocal visit, adding that Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, in Washington, D.C., later this year, with details to be announced.

Addressing questions about whether the Middle East conflict influenced the rescheduling, Leavitt said there were no formal preconditions. However, she noted that Xi acknowledged the need for Trump to remain in the United States during ongoing military operations.

“There was a discussion about the rescheduling… President Xi understood that it was very important for the president to be here during these combat operations,” she explained.

The summit was initially expected to hold between March 31 and April 2, but was delayed amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Trump administration is currently exploring diplomatic options to de-escalate the conflict, as concerns mount over its economic impact ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections, where control of Congress is at stake.