China has signaled that it is open to hosting a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump later this month, even as tensions remain high due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The announcement comes shortly after controversy surrounding the reported bombing of a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran that left 175 people dead, an incident that has drawn international attention and competing claims about responsibility.

Speaking during a press briefing on March 8, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China is “positive and open” to receiving Trump for a visit aimed at strengthening dialogue between Beijing and Washington. Wang emphasized that communication between the two countries remains important despite the current geopolitical tensions and the conflict involving Iran.

According to Wang, Beijing believes that diplomatic engagement is essential during times of crisis. He also called for an “immediate” end to military operations in Iran, stating that the conflict “should not have happened.”

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However, he maintained an accommodative tone toward the United States and indicated that the potential summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping remains a priority for both governments.

The White House has confirmed that preparations for the trip are moving forward. U.S. officials said the visit is expected to begin on March 31 and last between two and three days, with some reports indicating the trip could extend through April 2.

The meetings are expected to focus largely on economic relations, including discussions about extending last year’s trade truce between the United States and China.

Chinese authorities have not publicly disputed the proposed dates for the visit. Officials in Beijing have said that “communication” regarding the trip is ongoing, suggesting that both sides are continuing to coordinate the details of the summit.

Controversy Over Deadly School Strike in Iran

The diplomatic developments come during the ongoing controversy over a deadly strike in southern Iran that reportedly hit a girls’ elementary school during the first day of the conflict. The incident reportedly resulted in the deaths of 175 people and quickly became a major point of international concern.

During an exchange with reporters, Trump denied that the United States was responsible for the attack. When asked directly whether U.S. forces had bombed the school, Trump responded that he believed Iran itself was responsible.

“No, in my opinion, based on what I’ve seen, that was done by Iran,” Trump said in response to the question.

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The comments came as Reuters reported that U.S. military investigators believe American forces were most likely responsible for the strike. The report cited investigators examining the circumstances surrounding the attack, though official findings have not yet been released publicly.

A reporter also asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth whether the United States had carried out the bombing. Hegseth said the incident is still under investigation, but defended the position of the U.S. military.

“We’re certainly investigating,” Hegseth said. “But the only side that targets civilians is Iran.”

The differing accounts have added to the controversy surrounding the incident and have fueled debate over responsibility for the strike.

Despite the tensions, China’s invitation for Trump to visit signals Beijing’s continued interest in maintaining diplomatic engagement with Washington. The planned visit could mark one of the most significant high-level meetings between the two countries since the escalation of the conflict involving Iran.

Officials from both governments have indicated that economic issues will be central to the talks. The United States and China previously agreed to a trade truce aimed at easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies, and both sides are expected to discuss whether to extend or expand that agreement.

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