Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday pushed back against reports suggesting President Trump's planned visit to Beijing would be delayed if China refused to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, calling such coverage a 'false narrative.'
Bessent traveled to Paris to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to prepare for Trump's state visit scheduled for late March. The Treasury Secretary described the meeting as successful, with discussions focused on China's purchase commitments to the United States and the new tariff regime.
What the Right Is Saying
Trump administration allies have defended the president's approach to China, praising Bessent's diplomatic efforts and the focus on reshoring strategic manufacturing. Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Thune called the Paris talks 'a positive step toward rebalancing our trade relationship with China.'
Conservative commentators have supported the administration's tariff strategy, arguing that leverage is necessary to address chronic trade imbalances. The Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies director called Section 122 and potential Section 301 tariffs 'legitimate tools' for achieving the administration's goal of bringing critical manufacturing back to American soil.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive critics have questioned the Trump administration's approach to China, particularly its use of tariff authorities following the Supreme Court's decision striking down sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Senator Elizabeth Warren and other progressive lawmakers have argued that unilateral tariff authority undermines congressional oversight and creates economic uncertainty.
Democrats have also expressed skepticism about linking the Strait of Hormuz to trade negotiations. House Trade Subcommittee members noted that using military security demands as leverage in trade talks could escalate tensions in an already volatile region. Progressive foreign policy experts have warned that such demands risk pushing China closer to Iran at a critical moment.
What the Numbers Show
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint, with more than one-fifth of the world's oil supply transiting through it daily. Section 122 of the Trade Act allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 10 percent for 150 days without congressional approval. Section 301 tariffs require a formal investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative's office, which Bessent indicated would not be imposed until July.
Trump first announced his Beijing visit in late November following a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The invitation came after Trump and Xi met in South Korea. China's Foreign Ministry has rejected Trump's proposal to deploy warships to help reopen the Strait, with spokesperson Lin Jian stating China calls on 'all sides to immediately cease military actions' and avoid escalation.
The Bottom Line
The Trump administration's tariff strategy is undergoing a significant shift following the Supreme Court's IEEPA ruling. With Section 122 limited to 150 days and Section 301 investigations taking months, the administration faces a timeline challenge in maintaining tariff revenue while pursuing its reshoring goals. Analysts at the Asia Group say U.S.-China relations remain complicated enough without adding Iran to the agenda, suggesting both sides may focus on trade rather than security issues during the upcoming talks. The key question is whether China's purchase commitments and the new tariff framework can satisfy both parties ahead of Trump's Beijing visit.