"It will be a landmark event"…Trump, Xi to meet in Beijing in May

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

It was officially announced that a summit between the leaders of the United States and China is scheduled to be held in Beijing on May 14–15.
Trump’s trip to China was delayed by about a month due to the war with Iran, and the war’s duration is estimated at about 4–6 weeks.
Trump wrote on social media that he is confident the trip will be a "historic visit" and a "landmark event."

Forecast Trend Report by Period

A summit between the leaders of the United States and China will be held May 14–15. Donald Trump’s planned trip to China, which had been postponed once due to the war with Iran, has been rescheduled to about a month and a half later.

On the 25th (local time), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing, "We are officially announcing that the long-awaited meeting between President Trump and President Xi is scheduled to take place May 14–15."

She added that President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, are expected to make a return visit hosted in Washington, D.C., with specific dates to be announced later.

President Trump’s trip to China had originally been set for the 31st of this month through the 2nd of next month. However, the situation changed when the United States entered a war with Iran on the 28th of last month. As signs emerged that the conflict could last longer than expected, President Trump said on the 16th that he had "requested a postponement of about a month" from President Xi’s side.

Asked whether an end to the war could be possible before the rescheduled dates, Leavitt replied, "We have estimated the duration of the Iran war at about 4 to 6 weeks," adding, "If that’s the case, you can do the math." The Associated Press interpreted the remarks as being delivered in an "optimistic tone."

However, when asked whether a ceasefire was a prerequisite for holding the rescheduled meeting, she drew a line, saying, "No." Leavitt said, "President Xi understood that it was important for President Trump to remain in the United States during the period of combat operations. He understood and accepted the request to postpone."

President Trump wrote on his social media account that he was "wrapping up preparations for a historic visit," adding, "I very much look forward to spending time with President Xi, and I am confident it will be a landmark event."

Meanwhile, President Trump is set to chair the year’s second Cabinet meeting on the morning of the 26th. Strategy for the war against Iran is expected to be discussed at the meeting.

Shin Yong-hyun, Hankyung.com reporter yonghyun@hankyung.com