China said on Monday that Beijing and Washington remain in communication over a possible visit to China by US President Donald Trump.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked about reports that Trump had threatened to cancel a planned trip to Beijing if China does not assist with the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Lin said head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic guiding role in China-US relations.

He added that the two sides remain in contact regarding a possible visit to China by President Trump.