Chinese analysts characterised the delay as a strategic opportunity to ensure more substantive results. They also suggested the shift in timing was unlikely to derail the momentum towards stabilising ties between the two global powers.

The White House previously announced that the trip – the first by a US president since 2017 – would take place from March 31 to April 2. But Trump said on Monday he had to postpone it.

“Because of the war I want to be here, I have to be here, I feel. And so we’ve requested that we delay it a month or so,” Trump told reporters.

Asked to comment on the remarks, Beijing said it was “still in communication” with the US, without further elaboration.

“China and the US are in communication on the timing of President Trump’s visit to China,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Tuesday.