White House Spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre responds to reporters [UPI=Yonhap News] 

The White House stated on the 16th (local time) that the schedule for U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China and the U.S.-China summit, which was planned from late this month to early next month, could be adjusted.

Caroline Levitt, White House spokesperson, met with reporters at the White House and said regarding President Trump's visit to China, "It is a matter being discussed between the leaders at this time. President Trump is looking forward to visiting China," adding, "The schedule may be adjusted."

She further explained, "As commander-in-chief, the President's current top priority is to ensure the continued success of the 'Operation Grand Fury' (attack on Iran) operation."

She concluded by saying, "We will provide an update on the visit schedule soon."

In an interview with the British Financial Times (FT) the previous day, President Trump hinted at the possibility of postponing the U.S.-China summit by demanding China's participation in an operation to escort vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

This is also interpreted as an attempt to pressure China's participation in the operation in conjunction with the visit schedule.

With Iran having blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a global energy transport route, in response to military operations by the U.S. and Israel, President Trump, on the 14th, mentioned South Korea, China, Japan, the UK, and France on Truth Social, requesting the dispatch of warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump also stated to reporters the previous day that seven countries would participate in escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

Levitt explained, "The President is in ongoing discussions with European allies and is seeking their support. This is a request for them to play a greater role in this matter, similar to when he previously called for increased defense spending by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)."