President Donald Trump has insisted that Chinese President Xi Jinping “wants to make a deal” despite imposing a massive 125% tariff on Chinese imports as the trade war between the two economic giants intensifies.
“There is a tremendous amount of spirit in other countries, including China,” Trump said.
“They’re proud people and President Xi is a proud man. They’ll figure it out and they are in the process of doing so,” he added.
The comments come as tensions escalate following Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods from 104 per cent to 125 per cent.
Trump praised Xi Jinping despite the escalating feud
POOL / REUTERS
Despite the harsh measures, Trump expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with Beijing.
“They want to make a deal,” he stated firmly.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Xi JinpingGETTYTrump’s administration has maintained this position, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously stating that while China “wants to make a deal,” it has yet to offer meaningful concessions.
The president characterised the tariff strategy as necessary, saying: “Somebody had to do what we did.”
Trump announced on Wednesday he would pause many of his new tariffs for 90 days, whilst simultaneously raising levies on Chinese imports to 125 per cent.
“I have authorised a 90-day pause, and a substantially lowered reciprocal tariff during this period, of 10 per cent, also effective immediately,” Trump wrote on social media.
Donald Trump spoke to reporters outside the White HouseGETTY
The sudden reversal came less than 24 hours after steep new tariffs kicked in on imports from dozens of trading partners.
Trump claimed the pause was prompted by overwhelming international interest in trade deals with the United States.
“We have many more countries, more than 75 who all want to come here and go to Commerce and Treasury,” he said.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the administration has been “overwhelmed” by nations seeking trade agreements.
“As I said a week ago today, don’t retaliate, hold your ground, let’s see what happens,” Bessent told reporters.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the strategy, saying: “You clearly failed to see what President Trump is doing here.”
