'China, US in talks over possible Trump visit'

China and the United States are in communication with each other regarding US President Donald Trump's China visit, the Foreign Ministry in Beijing said. "China and the United States are maintaining communication regarding President Trump's visit to China," ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing on Monday. "Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic leading role in China-US relations," Lin added. The White House announced earlier that Trump would visit China from March 31 to April 2, though Beijing has not officially confirmed it. Trump has suggested the trip may be delayed if Beijing does not assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He asked China and several other countries to send warships to keep the waterway open. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, critical to oil transportation, in retaliation for the US and Israeli war against Tehran. (Xinhua and agencies) Edited by Tony Sabine