A senior official in U.S. President Donald Trump administration told Reuters that China is delaying the return of its nationals residing illegally in the United States, warning that Washington is preparing additional travel restrictions unless Beijing changes course.

The latest U.S. warning comes just days before Trump’s scheduled visit to Beijing on May 14–15, where the issue is expected to be discussed alongside other matters in meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The trip is politically significant for Trump, who is seeking trade concessions from Beijing that he can present to voters ahead of November’s midterm elections, amid polls suggesting potential losses for the Republican Party.

Since returning to the White House for his second term, Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions against countries refusing to accept deportees, making immigration enforcement a central pillar of his policy agenda.

Reports indicate that China has for years declined U.S. requests to repatriate thousands of citizens who overstayed visas or entered the country illegally.