Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 18: US President Donald Trump on Saturday said Chinese President Xi Jinping is “very happy” after Iran decided to open the Strait of Hormuz, and expressed anticipation for their upcoming meeting in Beijing next month.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “President Xi is very happy that the Strait of Hormuz is open and/or rapidly opening,” adding that his meeting with the Chinese leader would be “special and, potentially, historic.”

“Our meeting in China will be a special one and, potentially, Historic. I look forward to being with President Xi — Much will be accomplished!” he wrote.

Trump is scheduled to visit China on May 14 and 15, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, though Beijing has not officially confirmed the dates. The visit would mark the first time in 10 years that a sitting US president travels to China.

The trip is expected to be closely watched globally amid efforts by both sides to ease tensions and improve bilateral relations strained by trade disputes and geopolitical differences.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Washington and Beijing are in constant contact regarding the visit, noting that leader-level diplomacy plays an important role in guiding strategic ties.

Chinese state media has also highlighted the need for increased people-to-people exchanges, describing limited interaction over the years as a key factor affecting relations.

Meanwhile, Trump said he will also host President Xi later this year. His earlier planned visit to China in March was reportedly postponed due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict in West Asia.

Both sides have indicated cautious optimism, with Chinese media stressing that cooperation between the two nations benefits both countries, while confrontation leads to losses.