Trump-Xi Beijing Summit Postponed 5–6 Weeks Due to Iran Conflict

The planned Trump-Xi summit in Beijing (originally scheduled March 31 – April 2) has been postponed by 5–6 weeks, with Trump citing the Iran conflict as the reason. China confirmed agreement to Trump's request on March 18. The postponement delays a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan, which the White House had held back to avoid disrupting the summit atmosphere. Analysts warn that continued delays could embolden Beijing's position that Washington is using arms sales as diplomatic leverage, contrary to the US 'Six Assurances' commitments. A second $6 billion asymmetric defense package is also in the pipeline.