China has confirmed that it is in communication with the United States regarding a planned summit between the two countries. The meeting is expected to bring together U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The visit, scheduled from March 31 to April 2, has drawn global attention as it could shape relations between the world’s two largest economies. Officials in Beijing said communication between the two governments is ongoing as preparations for the summit continue.
At the same time, the issue has raised questions about sanctions that China previously placed on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Chinese officials indicated that these restrictions may not affect his ability to travel to China as part of the American delegation.
Diplomatic talks between officials from both countries are also taking place in Paris this week. These meetings are exploring areas where China and the United States may reach agreements ahead of the summit.
China Confirms Communication Over Summit Plans
China said on Monday that it remains in contact with the United States regarding the upcoming visit by Donald Trump. Chinese officials stated that communication between the two sides continues as the visit is being arranged.
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During a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that diplomacy between heads of state plays an important role in guiding relations between the two countries. According to him, such meetings help provide strategic direction for cooperation and dialogue.
The confirmation came after comments suggesting the trip might be delayed. In remarks published by the Financial Times, Donald Trump said he could postpone the visit depending on discussions about the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key global shipping route used for transporting oil. The American president said that countries benefiting from oil shipments through this route should help secure it.
He also noted that China receives a large share of its oil through the strait and suggested that Beijing could help protect the shipping route. He added that he would prefer to know China’s position on the issue before traveling for the summit.
Despite these remarks, Chinese officials confirmed that the two sides are still in contact regarding the planned meeting.
Sanctions on Marco Rubio May Not Affect Visit
Another issue raised during the briefing involved U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is expected to travel to Beijing with Donald Trump.
China imposed sanctions on Marco Rubio in 2020 when he was serving as a member of the U.S. Senate. The sanctions were announced after comments he made regarding Hong Kong and the Xinjiang region.
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Questions were raised about whether those sanctions could affect his ability to enter China during the upcoming diplomatic visit.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the sanctions were aimed at the words and actions of Marco Rubio during his time as a senator.
He explained that the measures were linked to his previous role and indicated that they may not prevent him from visiting China now that he serves as Secretary of State.
Officials Hold Preparatory Talks in Paris
While preparations for the summit continue, Chinese and American officials are holding meetings in Paris this week. These discussions are focusing on areas where both sides may reach agreements before the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
The talks include subjects such as agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade. Agriculture remains an important part of trade between the two countries, while critical minerals are essential for modern industries and technology.
Managed trade is also being discussed as a way to guide how goods move between the two economies.
Officials are reviewing whether progress in these areas could be presented during the upcoming summit in Beijing. These preparatory discussions are part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the United States and China ahead of the planned meeting.