Uncertainty has been mounting over Trump’s planned meeting with President Xi Jinping – expected to start on March 31 – after US and Israeli forces last month launched major strikes on Iran, one of China’s key strategic partners and oil suppliers. Beijing has said the acts violated international law.Asked at a press conference if the American attack could affect Trump’s trip, Wang did not answer directly, instead saying it would be a “big year for China-US relations” and that “the agenda of high-level exchanges is already on the table”.

China has yet to formally confirm Trump’s visit, but its foreign ministry has said the two countries have been in communication on the matter. If it goes ahead, it will be the first visit to China by an American leader in nine years.

“What the two sides need to do now is to make thorough preparations, foster a conducive atmosphere, manage existing differences, and remove unnecessary distractions,” Wang said at a media event under the “two sessions”, an annual political gathering that sets China’s major targets for the year.

“China’s attitude has always been positive and open, and it is critical that the US work in the same direction. I believe that when the two sides treat each other with sincerity and good faith, we will be able to lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems.”