Source: Fortune
Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump is considering delaying a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping by a month due to the escalating conflict with Iran. The meeting was set to take place between March 31 and April 2. Trump denies that the delay is intended to pressure China to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts believe the delay is driven by the need to manage the Iran conflict and its impact on energy markets. The meeting was expected to discuss issues such as China’s export controls and U.S. demands for China to buy more agricultural products.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Trump’s delay seems to be genuinely about managing the Iran war, not about pressuring China. The Iran conflict has escalated dramatically, and it would make sense for the U.S. commander-in-chief to give this his full attention. The delay means that Trump and Xi will have to wait to discuss key issues dragging down the U.S.-China relationship. Analysts say the U.S. likely has a narrow window to shape events in Iran. Trump may want the Iran conflict to be resolved prior to his negotiations with China to strengthen his bargaining position.
The situation looks like a shift in priorities, with the Iran war eclipsing the U.S.’ other geopolitical priorities.
Author: Evan Null
