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

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.

The article discusses the potential value of ancient Chinese wisdom in navigating current global challenges, particularly the relationship between the US and China. It highlights how Chinese leaders frequently reference classical texts and historical proverbs to inform their foreign policy, offering a long-term perspective shaped by thousands of years of Chinese history. These references, exemplified by Foreign Minister Wang Yi's quote about the Qin Dynasty, emphasize the importance of benevolence and justice alongside strength. The article suggests that this historical perspective can provide valuable insights for global stability, particularly in a world facing numerous crises and uncertainties. It emphasizes that China isn't trying to impose its values, but offering a perspective shaped by its long history.

President Trump announced a delay of approximately six weeks for his planned trip to China, which was originally scheduled for March 31st. During a White House appearance with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Trump stated his intention to commend Japan during his visit to China, despite ongoing tensions between China and Japan regarding Taiwan. The trip will include a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While the article mentions PLA-Nato talks in the title, the body of the text does not provide any information about this topic.

The White House announced a delay of "a month or so" for the planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Officially, the postponement allows Trump to manage the escalating conflict with Iran, including efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, the delay follows months of growing frustrations and mismatched expectations between the two countries. Unanswered proposals and a distracted Trump administration, compounded by geopolitical tensions, contributed to Beijing's increasing wariness of the meeting. Trump indicated the summit might occur in "five or six weeks," but provided no further details. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint, has disrupted global energy markets and complicated Trump's foreign policy agenda.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi informed U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday of her strong desire to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Takaichi seeks to discuss the past abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea, a long-standing point of contention between the two countries. She stated that Trump expressed full support for her efforts to find an immediate resolution to the issue and they exchanged ideas on how a meeting with Kim could be arranged. Japan officially recognizes 17 citizens as having been abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, with suspicions of more disappearances. While five abductees were returned in 2002, no further progress has been made since.

Late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers addressed Donald Trump's recent comments during a meeting with Japan's prime minister. Kimmel criticized Trump's joke about Pearl Harbor, suggesting his knowledge of the event comes from the Ben Affleck movie. Kimmel also highlighted a newly unredacted email contradicting Trump's claims about Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with Mar-a-Lago. Meyers also mocked Trump's Pearl Harbor comment, pointing out the historical inaccuracy. Both hosts also discussed the impact of the government shutdown on TSA agents, with Kimmel noting reports of agents selling blood to pay bills. The discussions occurred on their respective late-night shows following Trump's meeting with the Japanese prime minister.

US President Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House Oval Office, marking a high-stakes summit that appeared to get off to a positive start. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and pledged cooperation on trade, global energy market stability, and regional security. Trump expressed support for Japan's role in addressing these issues, stating that they are "stepping up to the plate." Takaichi did not comment on the US-Israeli plans to attack Iran, which were kept secret from her. The meeting took place amid concerns about Trump's behavior towards other allies who have declined to help him clear the Strait of Hormuz. The two leaders agreed to work together and discussed future meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In a March 19, 2026, meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump discussed the US- and Israeli-led war against Iran with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Trump stated he expected Japan to increase its support in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil trade route largely shut down by Iran, causing global oil price spikes. When questioned about not informing allies beforehand about the attack on Iran, Trump referenced the Pearl Harbor attack, asking Takaichi why he wasn't told about it. Takaichi condemned Iran's actions but also expressed concerns about the war's severe security environment and anticipated negative economic effects. The meeting occurred amidst efforts to form a coalition to defend the Strait of Hormuz following the start of the war on February 28.

During a meeting in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed the president's decision not to inform allies about a potential attack on Iran. When questioned by Takaichi, Trump referenced Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. He stated, "Who knows better about surprise than Japan?" The meeting took place amidst ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East. The article does not provide further context or explanation for Trump's statement.

During a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office, Donald Trump responded to a reporter's question about informing allies before a potential attack on Iran by referencing Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Trump joked about Japan's history of surprise attacks, asking why they didn't inform him about Pearl Harbor beforehand. The remark, made in response to a question about informing allies before military action, evoked the 1941 attack that led the U.S. into World War II. While some supporters praised the comment, others criticized it as inappropriate. This incident follows a previous awkward exchange where Trump made a similar comment about D-Day.

Following strikes on Gulf energy facilities amidst the US-Israeli conflict with Iran in late March 2026, several European nations and Japan issued a joint statement expressing readiness to stabilize energy markets and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement, from leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan, urged a moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure. This announcement follows the International Energy Agency's authorization of a strategic petroleum reserve release to counter rising global energy prices after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in late February. While the specific efforts were not detailed, the nations pledged to work with producing nations to increase output. The statement was released before a White House meeting between President Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi, where energy security was expected to be discussed.

Investors are closely watching for confirmation of a summit between President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, hoping it will provide stability amid geopolitical uncertainty and the Middle East conflict. The meeting, originally scheduled for late this month but postponed by the White House, is viewed as a potential sign of cooperation that could stabilize mainland China and Hong Kong stock markets. UBS Group suggests the meeting will focus on stability and growth, critical for both nations. Investors increasingly believe they need exposure to both US and Chinese markets, shifting the focus to capital allocation between the two. The summit could reinforce the view that Chinese equities are an important part of global portfolios, as investors recognize China's significance in the global economy.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's upcoming White House visit with President Trump is now considered higher stakes due to two key developments. Originally, the meeting was intended to align US-Japan strategies before a planned US-China summit. However, the postponement of the US-China summit and the escalation of the Israel-US war on Iran have shifted the dynamics. Takaichi now faces potential pressure regarding tariff levels, US investment demands, and Japan's reluctance to send support ships to the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest Trump may seek a "normal" summit to distract from the Middle East conflict or, conversely, criticize Japan's lack of support for the war and potentially retaliate economically.

President Trump has postponed his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, originally scheduled for late March/early April in Beijing, due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Trump stated he needs to remain in Washington during the conflict, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz to most global shipping. The meeting is tentatively rescheduled for late April. The US and China remain in communication regarding the visit. The leaders were expected to discuss trade tariffs, export controls, the US relationship with Taiwan, and fentanyl exports, aiming to build on the trade truce established in October. Trump also indicated he is seeking China's help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

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."

President Trump is postponing his planned trip to China, originally scheduled for late March, citing the demands of the war in Iran. The visit, intended to build on a fragile trade truce, is now expected to occur in five or six weeks. Trump had been pressuring China and other nations to contribute military support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route, and suggested his travel plans depended on Beijing's response. While Trump stated China was amenable to the delay, he also indicated the U.S. didn't necessarily need assistance from allies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attributed any schedule changes to logistical reasons, despite Trump's earlier linkage of the trip to China's involvement in securing the Strait.

US President Donald Trump is seeking to delay a planned March meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China by about a month. Trump stated the delay is due to the ongoing Iran war, requiring his presence in the US to oversee the conflict. China confirmed discussions are underway regarding the timing of the visit, rejecting any connection to issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump initially suggested China's help in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz was a factor, he later attributed the delay solely to the war. The delay comes amid growing tensions between the US and China, fueled by the Iran war and ongoing trade negotiations.

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.

China is facing pressure from the U.S. to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, as tensions in the Middle East escalate. President Trump has linked his planned summit with China to their cooperation in ensuring the Strait's security, suggesting beneficiaries of the route should contribute to its stability. China, a major importer of Gulf oil, is hesitant to be drawn into a U.S.-led intervention, despite valuing the upcoming summit. While reiterating its call for de-escalation, China's Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of head-of-state diplomacy and the planned Trump visit, even as oil prices surge and shipping through the Strait is disrupted. The situation presents a challenge for China, balancing economic interests with its policy of non-interference.

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.

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.