The escalating trade standoff between the US and China saw a shift in rhetoric after President Donald Trump adopted a conciliatory tone, stating that America wants to help China, not hurt it, despite his administration’s fresh tariff threats.
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Amid fears of a full-scale trade confrontation, President Trump sought to ease tensions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he called “highly respected.”
“Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine! Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment. He doesn’t want depression for his country, and neither do I. The USA wants to help China, not hurt it!!!” Trump wrote on social media.
This calm statement follows the US imposing an additional 100 per cent tariff on China’s exports, set to begin on November 1, alongside new restrictions on the export of “any and all critical software.”
Mixed Signals from the US Administration
Despite Trump’s calming words, his administration sent mixed messages on the conflict:
- Vice President JD Vance warned Beijing to “choose the path of reason,” asserting that the US holds stronger leverage in the dispute. He stated the administration would not hesitate to defend American interests but hoped to avoid a full-blown conflict.
- US Trade Representative Jamison Greer revealed that China had deferred a request for talks after announcing its rare earth export controls. Greer called Beijing’s export curbs “a power grab” but anticipated markets would stabilize as both nations assess their next steps.
China Condemns US Actions
Beijing condemned Washington’s latest tariff hike, labeling it a case of “double standards.”
- A spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry reiterated its consistent stance: “we do not want it, but we are not afraid of it.”
- China defended its export curbs on rare earth minerals, citing national security concerns over the military use of these materials. However, Beijing did not introduce new levies on American goods.
APEC Meeting Uncertainty
The possibility of a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea remains uncertain. While Trump had hinted at a cancellation, he later clarified that the event had not been scrapped, stating, “I just don’t know if they were going to have it.” Greer indicated a meeting could still happen depending on China’s response in the coming days.
