US treasury secretary denies reports Trump delayed China visit over Strait of Hormuz

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that media reports suggesting any delay in US President Donald Trump visiting China was due to the president's demand that China help reopen the Strait of Hormuz were "completely false."

Bessent told CNBC that if a meeting was delayed, it would be a decision made by the president in his capacity as commander-in-chief, choosing to remain in the White House or elsewhere in the US while the Iran conflict continues.

"If the meeting, for some reason, is rescheduled, it would be rescheduled because of logistics," Bessent said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also stated on Monday morning that "dates may be moved."

"The president looks forward to visiting China," Leavitt told reporters.

"The dates may be moved. As commander-in-chief, it's his number-one priority right now to ensure the continued success of this Operation Epic Fury. So we'll keep you posted on the dates as soon as we can."

At a regular press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian confirmed that China and the US are in communication regarding a visit to China by Trump. 

During the press briefing, Lin also addressed the escalating tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, noting they have disrupted international cargo and energy trade routes while undermining regional and global peace and stability.