China, US in communication regarding date of Trump's visit: spokesman

China and the United States are in communication with each other regarding the date of President Donald Trump's China visit, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.

Lin was responding to a inquiry about certain media's reports that Trump said his visit to China might be postponed if China doesn't provide assistance in escorting the Strait of Hormuz.

"We noted that the United States has publicly made clarifications on the misguided media reports, calling them completely false while stressing that the visit is not linked to the issue over the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

"China and the United States are in communication with each other regarding issues including the date of President Donald Trump's China visit," said Lin.

China, US in communication regarding date of Trump's visit: spokesman

China, US in communication regarding date of Trump's visit: spokesman

China, US in communication regarding date of Trump's visit: spokesman

China, US in communication regarding date of Trump's visit: spokesman

China, US in communication regarding date of Trump's visit: spokesman

International oil prices rebounded sharply in intraday trading on Tuesday as markets weighed continued uncertainty over a proposed U.S.-led naval escort arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside reports that a tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman was struck by an unidentified projectile.

The West Texas Intermediate for April delivery jumped 3.39 percent to 96.67 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, as of 15:30 Beijing time (0730 GMT).

Brent crude for May delivery rose 3.08 percent to 103.30 U.S. dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

A statement from The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Tuesday that a tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman had been attacked by an unidentified projectile, suffering minor structural damage. No injuries were reported.

The UKMTO said the incident occurred 23 nautical miles (about 42.6 kilometers) east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. No environmental pollution was reported. The statement did not provide further details.

Oil prices rise rapidly amid Mideast conflict