US Treasury: Trump’s China visit delay unlinked to Strait of Hormuz tensions

US President Donald Trump may delay his trip to China due to the conflict with Iran, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasised on March 16 that the decision is not connected to efforts to pressure Beijing over the Strait of Hormuz, according to French media.

“If the meeting for some reason was rescheduled, it would be rescheduled because of logistics,” he said. “The president wants to remain in D.C. to coordinate the war, and travelling abroad at a time like this may not be optimal.”

Earlier, Trump hinted that he might delay the long-awaited visit to China at the end of the month, aiming to increase pressure on Beijing to help restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz and stabilise oil prices, which have risen during the conflict with Iran.

By Jeyhun Aghazada