Trump’s China trip faces possible delay over logistics, Bessent says

WASHINGTON, DC: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday, March 16, that President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing later this month may be rescheduled due to logistical considerations tied to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Speaking during a CNBC appearance in Paris, Bessent said the timing of the trip remains uncertain as the president continues to oversee military operations from Washington.

Bessent explained that any potential delay would be driven by scheduling concerns rather than diplomatic tensions.

“If the meeting for some reason was rescheduled, it would be rescheduled because of logistics,” he said.

The secretary added that international travel may not be ideal while Trump remains engaged in directing the US response to the current conflict.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also addressed the issue Monday, stating that the president’s priority remains the management of 'Operation Epic Fury'.

Scott Bessent dismisses Hormuz pressure narrative

Bessent’s remarks appeared to respond to a report by the Financial Times suggesting Trump might delay the summit to pressure China to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In earlier comments, Trump referenced China’s heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil and said he wanted clarity on Beijing’s position regarding maritime security in the region.

Trump previously said the trip could be delayed, stating, “We may delay,” though he did not provide specific details about the timeline.

Bessent rejected the suggestion that the potential delay was intended to push China into taking action in the Persian Gulf.

He described that interpretation as a “false narrative” and reiterated that any scheduling changes would reflect the president’s responsibilities in managing ongoing military operations.

White House prioritizes 'Operation Epic Fury'

Leavitt confirmed that the administration still intends for Trump to visit China but said the exact dates remain flexible. She told reporters the White House would announce updated travel plans once they were finalized.

According to the press secretary, the administration’s immediate focus remains on military operations and broader regional stability tied to the Iranian conflict.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the visit, Bessent said US-China diplomatic and economic engagement continues.

The treasury secretary recently concluded two days of trade discussions in Paris with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and described the meetings as “very good.” He said a statement reaffirming stability in the bilateral relationship is expected.

Strategic guiding role of head-of-state diplomacy

In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry has taken a cautious stance regarding the proposed visit. Spokesperson Lin Jian said both governments remain in communication about the potential summit.

Lin noted that “head-of-state diplomacy” plays an important role in guiding the long-term direction of US-China relations, but did not address questions about China’s possible role in maritime security operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

The possible postponement of the March 31–April 2 summit follows a period of volatility in US-China trade relations, during which tariffs briefly surged before both sides reached a temporary truce.

With military operations underway in West Asia, the timing of the Beijing meeting remains uncertain as the administration balances diplomatic engagement with ongoing security priorities.