January 1, What Really Caused the Delay in Trump’s China State Visit?

Wyatt’s Take

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls out bogus reports claiming Trump delayed China trip over Strait of Hormuz demand.
• Any rescheduling is pure logistics so Trump stays in D.C. to lead war efforts.
• Tariffs aim to bring manufacturing jobs back home from China.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent slammed reports that President Trump’s meeting with China would be delayed if Beijing did not secure the Strait of Hormuz.

“There’s a false narrative out there,” said Bessent.

“If the meetings are delayed it wouldn’t be delayed because the President has demanded that China police the Strait of Hormuz. If the meeting for some reason is rescheduled, it would be rescheduled because of logistics. The President wants to remain in D.C. to coordinate the war effort and traveling abroad at a time like this may not be optimal.”

Bessent went to Paris for trade talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to prep Trump’s Beijing visit at month’s end.

He called the meeting a success, covering China’s U.S. purchase promises and new tariff plans.

Trump announced the trip after a November call with Xi Jinping, who invited him post-South Korea summit.

Beijing rejected Trump’s idea for Chinese warships in the Strait of Hormuz, key for one-fifth of world oil.

“China’s position is clear. We once again call on all sides to immediately cease military actions, avoid further escalation, and prevent regional turbulence from having a major impact on global economic growth.” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

China also blasts U.S. role in Iran strikes.

George Chen of Asia Group says Iran won’t dominate April talks since U.S.-China ties are tough enough for Trump and Xi.

“U.S.-China relations are already complicated enough for President Trump and Xi to handle,” he said. Adding Iran to the mix “won’t be something that both sides are keen to do.”

Tariffs lead the agenda after Supreme Court axed Trump’s IEEPA powers.

Now using Section 122 for up to 10% tariffs 150 days no Congress needed, and Section 301 needing USTR probe led by Jamieson Greer.

Section 122 needs Congress after 150 days. Section 301 waits till July per Bessent.

“We assume there will be very little change in Tariff revenue,” said Bessent.

“The ultimate purpose of tariffs is to reshore production. At the end of the day we want to reshore manufacturing in the US, especially strategic manufacturing.”

No full China cutoff, but key factories return home to protect American workers.

Keep fighting for heartland jobs—share this with neighbors facing offshoring pain.

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Wyatt Matters

Real trade fights bring factories and paychecks back to factory towns everywhere.