Trump suggests he may delay China trip, but Bessent says it’s not to pressure on Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump may delay his China trip due to the Iran war, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says it’s not to pressure Beijing on the Strait of Hormuz. Bessent told CNBC on Monday (March 16, 2026) it’d be over “logistics.” Trump has said he may delay the China visit as he pressures Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease soaring oil prices. Trump told the Financial Times that China should help keep the strait open. Iran has nearly shut the key global shipping waterway during the war there. China says it’s maintained communication with the U.S. on Trump’s visit. Bessent downplays rising oil prices and says the Treasury Department doesn’t plan to intervene.