The United States and China have been engaged in a heated exchange over trade issues for several months, and now President Donald Trump has made a revealing statement about his approach.
Since his return to the White House, President Trump has been involved in ongoing disputes with Beijing regarding trade policies.
In recent times, he has issued threats to impose a new set of tariffs on Chinese goods entering the United States.
This threat includes the possibility of an additional 100 percent tariff on imports from China, along with export controls starting November 1.
In response, China’s President Xi Jinping has firmly retaliated against the United States, vowing to implement ‘resolute measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests’.
Beijing released a statement accusing the United States of escalating economic measures against it since September.
Amid these developments, many are observing President Trump to see how he will react to China maintaining its stance against economic threats.
In a recent conversation with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business, President Trump conceded that the imposition of 100% tariffs on Chinese goods might not be ‘sustainable’ in the long term.
He stated that he felt compelled to take this action, asserting, ‘It’s not sustainable, but that’s what the number is.’
He further commented: “It’s probably not, you know, it could stand. But they forced me to do that.”
China has countered Trump’s persistent warnings by introducing strict export restrictions on rare-earth minerals.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has justified this decision by highlighting the need to protect national security. By limiting the export of these rare-earth elements, China aims to reduce their use for military purposes by other countries.
Despite the escalating tensions, Trump has acknowledged China’s negotiating prowess, while expressing his hope that the United States will ultimately succeed. He also claimed that China has been ‘ripping off our country for years’.
President Trump went on to say: “I’ve always had a great relationship with them, as you know, but they’re always looking for an edge.
“I will tell you that China, in particular, has done a number on our country. They took the money out. Now it’s reversed.”
As the November 1 deadline approaches, both nations are likely striving to reach a mutually beneficial resolution that preserves their dignity in this trade conflict.