Beijing confirms diplomatic communication with Washington regarding President Trump’s planned visit to China amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

BEIJING: China confirmed on Monday that it is maintaining communication with the United States regarding an upcoming visit by US President Donald Trump.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic guiding role in China-US relations during a regular press conference.

The visit, which Washington says will take place from March 31 to April 2, comes amid heightened global tensions following the effective closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz by Iran.

Iran closed the vital oil transportation waterway in retaliation for the US and Israeli war against Tehran, creating what Lin described as a tense situation that has disrupted international trade routes for goods and energy.

President Trump has previously suggested Washington might delay the planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if Beijing does not assist in efforts to reopen the strait.

Global oil prices have surged by 40% to 50% since the conflict began, with the waterway choked off and Iran conducting attacks on energy and shipping industry targets in its Gulf neighbours.

China, a net importer of oil, depends heavily on the strait for its energy supplies, with the Middle East accounting for 57% of China’s direct seaborne crude imports in 2025 according to analytics firm Kpler.

While confirming the diplomatic communication, spokesman Lin did not directly address Trump’s recent pressure on NATO allies and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Beijing has yet to officially confirm the late March visit dates, maintaining its usual practice of announcing such details closer to the event.

 The Sun Malaysia