China's Foreign Ministry has dismissed recent media claims that U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a planned visit to the Chinese mainland amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Tuesday, May 17, 2026, that both nations remain engaged in discussions regarding the visit's arrangements.
"The U.S. has clarified these reports as entirely baseless," Lin said, emphasizing that the visit "is not linked to the Strait of Hormuz issue." He added that Beijing and Washington continue to coordinate on matters including the timing of Trump's trip.
The remarks follow Trump's comments on Monday, May 16, where he reportedly suggested postponing the visit by "a month or so" due to U.S. military activities in Iran. The Washington Post cited Trump as expressing surprise that China was not "eager" to support U.S. efforts in the region, though he later called on multiple nations—including the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the UK—to deploy naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz in a social media post on Saturday, May 14.
Analysts note that the diplomatic exchange underscores the delicate balance in U.S.-China relations as both nations navigate complex geopolitical priorities in 2026.
