White House: Iran nuclear issue isn’t why US delaying report on China’s currency policies

White House: Iran not why currency report delayed

WASHINGTON — The White House denies any connection between delaying a report on China’s currency policies and seeking China’s cooperation on new penalties against Iran for its nuclear program.

The report to Congress was due April 15 — just as China’s president comes to Washington for a nuclear security summit.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Saturday he was delaying publication because several high-level international meetings in the coming months would be a better way to advance the U.S. position.

White House economic adviser Lawrence Summers tells ABC’s “This Week” that the Iran matter isn’t causing the delay and that those meetings are a good way to have a direct dialogue with the Chinese.

Some lawmakers want China branded as a currency manipulator harmful to the U.S. economy.