Trump China trip in doubt as White House calls on allies to reopen Hormuz
WASHINGTON, DC: The White House said on Monday, March 16, that a planned trip by Donald Trump to China later this month could be delayed as the administration focuses on the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that discussions over the visit are ongoing between the two leaders and new dates could be announced soon.
“There’s a possibility the trip could be delayed,” Leavitt said. “These are leader-to-leader conversations, and as soon as we have an update, we’ll provide the new dates.”
She added that Trump still intends to visit China but that his immediate priority as commander in chief is overseeing the military campaign known as “Operation Epic Fury.”
Washington urges global help in Hormuz
Leavitt reiterated the administration’s call for international partners, including China and members of NATO, to assist in efforts to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The key shipping lane has been severely disrupted amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, raising concerns over global energy supplies.
“I think the president is absolutely right to call on these countries to do more to help the United States reopen the Strait of Hormuz,” Leavitt said, accusing Iran’s leadership of restricting the free flow of energy through the waterway.
Leavitt says ‘countries benefiting from US action’
Responding to questions about why other countries should support the effort despite not being involved in the initial strikes on Iran, Leavitt argued that US military action had removed a major regional threat.
“The rogue Iranian regime has long posed a threat not just to the United States but to our Gulf and Arab partners,” she said. “These countries are benefiting from ensuring Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon.”
Despite Washington’s calls, no nations have so far publicly committed to deploying warships to secure the shipping route.
US pressure on allies to do more
Leavitt also addressed questions about relations with the United Kingdom after Trump earlier suggested Britain should have contributed more to the military effort.
She pointed to the president’s remarks aboard Air Force One on Sunday, where he said he wished the UK had stepped up sooner and confirmed he continues to press allies to increase their support.
Leavitt declined to detail what steps Washington might take if international partners ultimately refuse to join operations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
