China Calls for 'Thorough Preparations' Ahead of Uncertain Trump-Xi Meeting Amid Iran Conflict

• Trump's visit to China would be the first by a sitting U.S. president since 2017, but Beijing has yet to confirm the exact dates of the March 31-April 2 scheduled visit
• U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to meet in Paris this week to discuss potential business deals ahead of the leaders' meeting
• The two countries currently operate under a fragile tariff truce reached in October, with duties below 50% for one year after previously exceeding 100% during peak tensions last spring

Summary

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for "thorough preparations" ahead of a potential meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, though Beijing has yet to confirm the visit. Trump is scheduled to visit China March 31-April 2, which would mark the first trip by a sitting U.S. president to the country since 2017.

Key Developments:

Wang stressed that U.S.-China cooperation is critical, warning that "turning our backs on each other would only lead to mutual misperception and miscalculation" and that conflict would "drag the whole world down." The diplomat noted that high-level exchanges are "already on the table" but require managed risks and removal of "unnecessary disruptions."

Complications:

Uncertainty surrounds the meeting's timing due to ongoing joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran that began February 28. Wang has held phone calls with at least seven foreign ministers regarding the Iran conflict, calling it "a war that should not have happened."

Trade Issues:

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to meet in Paris later this week to discuss potential business deals. The countries currently maintain a fragile tariff truce reached in October, with duties below 50% for one year, down from previous levels exceeding 100%.

Wang rejected Trump's "G2" characterization of U.S.-China relations, instead advocating for multipolarity. He warned against "erecting tariff barriers" and pursuing "economic and technological decoupling," comparing such actions to "using kindling to put out a fire."

The statements came during China's annual parliamentary meeting in Beijing, set to conclude Thursday.