WASHINGTON, May 5 — A senior official in the administration of Donald Trump said that China is delaying the return of its citizens residing illegally in the United States, warning that Washington may impose additional travel restrictions if Beijing does not change its position.

The warning comes just days before Trump’s scheduled visit to Beijing on May 14–15, where deportation issues are expected to be discussed alongside broader political and economic matters in meetings with Xi Jinping.

The visit is considered politically significant for Trump, who is seeking trade concessions that he can present to voters ahead of the November midterm elections, amid expectations of potential losses for the Republican Party.

Since returning to office for a second term last year, Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions against countries that refuse to accept deported nationals, making immigration enforcement a key pillar of his policy agenda.

For years, the United States has faced challenges in persuading China to take back tens of thousands of its nationals who have overstayed visas or entered the country illegally. While Beijing has expressed willingness to accept verified citizens, it maintains that the process requires time.

According to the official, China’s level of cooperation has declined over the past six months, despite accepting around 3,000 deportees on charter and commercial flights earlier in 2025.

The official added that continued non-cooperation could lead to stricter visa requirements, increased financial guarantees, and expanded entry restrictions for Chinese nationals.

“The Chinese government’s lack of cooperation could affect lawful travelers in the future,” the official said.

There has been no immediate response from the Chinese embassy in Washington. Beijing has previously stated that illegal migration is a global issue that requires international cooperation.