Delay and urges

White House addresses possible China trip delay and urges more help with Strait of Hormuz

By Kit Maher

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters today that President Donald Trump’s trip to China later this month could be delayed and emphasized the administration’s view that countries should be stepping up to help in the Strait of Hormuz.

“There’s a possibility the trip could be delayed. We’ll keep you posted on that, but these are leader-to-leader conversations that are happening, so as soon as we have an update, we’ll provide the new dates,” Leavitt said.

Reiterating Trump’s call for China and NATO allies to join him in helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Leavitt argued they are benefiting from the United States’ military action in Iran.

Yet, so far, no countries have committed to sending warships to the area.

“I think the president is absolutely right to call on these countries to do more to help the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, so that we can stop this terrorist regime from restricting the free flow of energy,” Leavitt said. “The fact that they are doing so just underscores why President Trump needed to take this action in the first place.”

Pressed again on the China trip, Leavitt said the White House would provide updates as soon as they have them.

“It’s a leader-to-leader conversation. At this point, the president looks forward to visiting China. 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,” she said.