U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he plans to postpone his scheduled visit to China, originally set for late March, by about one month due to the ongoing war involving Iran. Speaking on Monday, Trump said the reason was straightforward, emphasizing that his presence in the United States was important during the conflict. He added that there was no strategic motive behind the delay and expressed anticipation for his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A day earlier, Trump told the Financial Times that he might postpone the meeting if China did not help ensure normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for energy transport in the Gulf region. The conflict with Iran has heightened tensions between the world’s two largest economies. China, a major buyer of Iranian energy exports, has criticized U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to BBC Bangla.

The delay underscores how the Iran conflict is influencing global diplomatic schedules and energy-related geopolitical relations.