US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, after his meeting with Chinese representatives in Paris, stated today that if President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing is delayed, it would be because Trump needs to remain in Washington, not because China has avoided taking action regarding the Strait of Hormuz amid the US war with Iran. He also added that the Sino-American talks he participated in were constructive. Specifically, the proposed meeting between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is not at risk, but may be delayed as the US president remains focused on the war in Iran, the White House stated.
Read: How China, Japan, France and Britain respond to Trump’s demand to open Hormuz
Trump: China should help lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
Trump is expected to travel to China from March 31 to April 2 for a highly anticipated meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies. “I don’t think the meeting is at risk, but it’s very likely to be delayed,” spokesperson Caroline Leavitt told Fox News. Trump told the Financial Times on Sunday that he might cancel the meeting if China doesn’t help lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comments. Leavitt said that if the trip is delayed, the White House will announce new dates soon. “The president’s absolute responsibility right now as commander-in-chief is to ensure the continued success of Operation Epic Fury, and he’s working 24/7 here at the White House and here at home. So we expect to announce those dates very soon,” she said.
