Trump pitches China trade ‘win’ to US farmers ahead of Xi meeting, midterms

Former US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun believes Donald Trump will seek an "economic deal" with China during his upcoming visit to Beijing, now scheduled for May 14 and 15. Biegun, speaking at an event in Melbourne, suggests Trump desires a deal but the risk lies in China potentially prolonging negotiations. He warns that delaying tactics could provoke a harsher stance from Trump towards China. Biegun served as US deputy secretary of state from 2019 to 2021. The purpose of the visit is for Trump to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Donald Trump will visit China in May for his first meeting with Xi Jinping in eight years, rescheduled from an earlier date due to the Iran war. The visit, set for May 14-15 in Beijing, aims to reset relations between the two countries. Discussions are expected to cover trade, including potential agreements on agriculture and airplane parts, and contentious issues like Taiwan, where the US has increased arms sales. Trump seeks China's support in addressing the Iran conflict, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, but China's response has been limited. This will be the first in-person talks between the leaders since their October meeting in South Korea. Trump will host Xi in Washington later in the year.

President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing on May 14-15 for a rescheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House announced the trip, which was initially postponed due to the ongoing war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Despite the conflict continuing, Trump rescheduled the visit as the U.S. pressures Iran to accept a ceasefire. The President and First Lady Melania Trump also plan to host Xi and his wife for a White House visit later in the year. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed optimism that the Iran conflict could reach a resolution before Trump's trip to China.

Ahead of a mid-May meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump claimed a trade victory for American farmers. Speaking at the White House, Trump stated that he personally secured a deal with Xi to increase Chinese purchases of US soybeans to $40 billion. He attributed this increase to his direct negotiation with Xi, doubling a previous agreement. Trump encouraged farmers to invest in larger equipment due to this increased demand. However, this $40 billion figure has not been confirmed by the US Agriculture Department. Trump previously announced in October that China had committed to purchasing 12 million tonnes of US soybeans by the end of the year and 25 million tonnes annually through 2028.

President Trump announced the delay of his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, citing the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran as a factor. The meeting, initially scheduled for March 31 to April 2, is now expected to occur in approximately five or six weeks. While Trump stated China was amenable to the postponement and expressed optimism about the US-China relationship, the Chinese embassy in Washington did not confirm the new timeline, stating that communication regarding the visit is ongoing. Trump made the announcement at the White House after a meeting with the Irish leader. He described the economic relationship with China as "very good."

China has confirmed ongoing communication with the US regarding Donald Trump's planned visit to Beijing, scheduled between March 31st and April 2nd. This comes despite Trump suggesting a potential delay if China doesn't assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for international trade disrupted by the US-Israeli war with Iran. Trump stated China, a major beneficiary of the strait, should contribute to its security. China, while calling for a ceasefire in Iran, has not directly addressed Trump's request for warships but claims to be communicating with all parties to de-escalate tensions. The Strait of Hormuz blockage, caused by retaliation for airstrikes that killed Iran's supreme leader, has led to significant oil supply disruptions.

In March 2026, US President Donald Trump announced he is seeking to delay a planned trip to China by about a month. The trip, originally scheduled for March 31-April 2, was intended for Trump to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump cited the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran as the reason for the requested delay, stating his presence was needed in the US during the conflict. Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran in late February. Trump also indicated that China's assistance in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran claims to have closed to US and Israeli vessels, could influence the rescheduling of the meeting. The delay risks increasing tensions between the US and China.

In March 2026, amid a US-Israeli war with Iran, President Trump called for a naval coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. Iran's actions have essentially closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to surge past $100 per barrel. Trump urged countries like China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to deploy warships, claiming Iran's military capabilities were decimated but acknowledging the potential for continued attacks. The call for a coalition comes as Trump faces domestic pressure regarding the war and concerns over reopening the Strait safely. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, President Trump is considering postponing his planned meeting with China's Xi Jinping, potentially delaying it by a month. Trump cited the ongoing conflict as the reason for wanting to remain in the US. A Trump administration official denied the delay was intended to pressure China regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Simultaneously, the United Arab Emirates reported its air defenses were intercepting incoming missile and drone attacks from Iran. The UAE's Ministry of Defence stated its forces were responding to ballistic missiles, fighter jets, drones, and loitering munitions.

In March 2026, US President Donald Trump called for nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to send naval ships to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure its safety and openness amidst rising oil prices due to the US and Israel's war on Iran. This call comes as Iran's military effectively blocks the strait in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes. While the US Secretary of Energy claimed to be in dialogue with some countries, no immediate commitments have been made. China stated its responsibility to ensure stable energy supply and willingness to communicate for de-escalation. Iran claims the strait is open to all except the US and its allies, with the decision for safe passage of other vessels left to its military.

President Trump's reported demand for China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, threatens to derail ongoing US-China trade talks in Paris. With the US-Israeli war in Iran disrupting global energy markets and driving up fuel prices, Trump is allegedly pressuring Beijing to send warships to the strait. Analysts suggest this demand could postpone a planned March 31 summit between Trump and President Xi Jinping, undermining the current trade negotiations. Experts warn that delaying the summit would diminish the significance of any agreements reached in Paris, especially with ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. The sixth round of trade talks recently concluded without significant breakthroughs, and a postponed summit is expected to further hinder progress on economic relations, technology ties, and dispute resolution between the two nations.

In March 2026, Japan began releasing oil from its emergency reserves in response to a global energy crisis. This crisis was triggered by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, amid a war with the US and Israel. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Japan would unilaterally release 80 million barrels, preceding a coordinated effort by the IEA to release 400 million barrels globally. The move aims to stabilize the market amid concerns about disrupted oil supplies through the Strait, a critical waterway for global oil transport. Despite the IEA's efforts, oil prices have remained elevated, with Brent crude rising significantly since the start of the conflict. Japan has stated it will not deploy its navy to the Strait.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated there are "no guarantees" oil prices will decrease in the near future. His statement is based on the continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil tankers. Iran's recent actions, including firing projectiles and deploying mines, have made the Strait unsafe for passage. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for oil shipments, and disruptions there can significantly impact global oil prices. Wright's comments highlight the potential for continued high oil prices due to geopolitical tensions in the region.

Amid rising tensions over oil shipments, the US military attacked and destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This action followed reports that Iran had begun laying mines in the strategically important waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. The US military released footage of the attacks shortly after Donald Trump demanded the removal of any Iranian mines in the Strait. Oil shipments have been blocked since US-Israeli strikes on Iran 11 days prior, causing market volatility, further exacerbated by a retracted social media post from the US energy secretary claiming a successful US Navy escort of an oil tanker through the Strait. Iran has threatened to stop any movement of the US fleet and its allies in the region.

Donald Trump is urging countries including the UK, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to secure the vital shipping route. This call comes after reported attacks on sixteen ships in the strait since the US and Israel began their war against Iran. Trump stated his belief that Iran could still pose a threat to the waterway despite its military capabilities being largely destroyed. He also threatened to bomb the shoreline and target Iran's oil infrastructure if it interferes with ships in the Strait. Iran has responded by threatening to destroy oil and energy infrastructure belonging to firms working with the US should Kharg Island be attacked and has warned that any tanker bound for the US, Israel or its partners is a legitimate target.

Amid the ongoing US and Israel war on Iran, President Trump announced that "many countries" would send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed. Trump stated that nations affected by the closure, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, would join the US in ensuring the strait remains open and safe. He claimed the US had destroyed Iran's military capabilities but acknowledged Iran's potential to disrupt the waterway. An Iranian official responded that the Strait of Hormuz was under control, not militarily closed, and refuted Trump's claims about destroying Iran's navy. Iran's Foreign Minister clarified that the strait was only closed to enemy ships, not all shipping.

Despite the International Energy Agency's (IEA) plan to release 400 million barrels of oil, the largest emergency reserve release in history, global oil prices continue to surge. The IEA's action, announced on Wednesday, aimed to stabilize prices amid the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. However, Brent crude rose about 15% and oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel on Thursday. Analysts suggest the release will have a limited impact if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, disrupting about one-fifth of the global oil supply. Iran has threatened to block oil passage through the strait, potentially driving prices to $200 a barrel, following attacks on commercial ships in the region.

Despite the International Energy Agency's (IEA) agreement to release a record 400 million barrels of oil reserves, Brent crude prices surged to $100 a barrel in Asia trading. The IEA's move, involving all 32 member countries, aimed to address supply concerns amid heightened tensions. Iran warned that oil prices could reach $200 a barrel if its attacks on ships intensify in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy shipments. The rising oil prices have led to increased fuel costs worldwide, with the US average petrol price exceeding $3.50 a gallon. Asian countries like the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam are particularly affected, experiencing long queues at petrol stations. In response, some countries are implementing measures like four-day work weeks and work-from-home policies to conserve energy.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), comprised of 32 member countries, is preparing to release 400 million barrels of oil from its stockpiles. This marks only the fifth time in the IEA's history that it has taken such action. The move is intended to alleviate pressure on global oil prices, which have been affected by geopolitical events such as the conflict in Iran. The IEA was originally formed in response to the 1970s oil crisis to mitigate the impact of disruptions in the oil market. However, there is no certainty that this release will successfully lower prices.

Following disruptions to global oil supplies due to conflict in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump called on nations, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait, located between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, is a crucial trade route for oil and liquefied natural gas. The US aims to collaborate with these countries to ensure the Strait remains open and safe, as it carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply. Trump indicated that the US would also begin escorting tankers through the Strait soon.