China said on Monday it was still talking to the United States about President Donald Trump’s planned visit later this month following his threat to delay the trip.
Trump has been trying to pressure countries that rely heavily on oil from the Gulf to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that Iran has effectively closed in retaliation for the US and Israeli attacks.
On Sunday, he told the Financial Times “it’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there”.
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He also said he would prefer to know Beijing’s position before he travels there, adding “we may delay”.
When asked about Trump’s comments, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the two countries were “in communication” over the visit and described head-of-state diplomacy as playing an “irreplaceable role” in their relationship.
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China has yet to make a formal announcement about the trip but the White House has said it will run from March 31 to April 2.
