China says ‘maintaining communication’ with US over Trump visit
The Straits Times
Beijing did not address Mr Trump’s pressure on NATO allies and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Read more at straitstimes.com.
BEIJING - Beijing said on March 16 it is in talks with Washington over a visit by US President Donald Trump expected in March.
Mr Trump has suggested Washington may delay the planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if Beijing does not assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has effectively closed the waterway, critical to oil transporation, in retaliation for the US and Israeli war against Tehran.
Beijing’s foreign ministry said on March 16 that Beijing and Washington “are maintaining communication regarding President Trump’s visit to China”.
“Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic guiding role in China-US relations,” spokesman Lin Jian told a press conference.
He did not address Mr Trump’s recent pressure on NATO allies and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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