Tensions Flare as US-China Tariff Truce Faces Major Hurdles
As trade tensions once again simmer between two of the world’s largest economies, US President Donald Trump has publicly voiced both admiration and frustration toward Chinese President Xi Jinping — calling him “extremely hard to make a deal with.”
In a post made early Wednesday on his platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“I like President Xi of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!”
The comment comes just weeks after the US and China agreed to a 90-day tariff truce during negotiations in Geneva. However, the temporary peace is now under stress, as talks have reportedly stalled, with both nations accusing each other of undermining the agreement.
Truce Falters Amid Accusations and Delay in Diplomatic Call
The Geneva truce had put a pause on the escalating tariff war, sparked when Washington increased duties on Chinese imports. Since then, President Trump has accused Beijing of violating the terms of the deal — a charge China has strongly denied, instead blaming the US for actions that have “seriously undermined” the bilateral consensus.
Adding to the uncertainty, a highly anticipated phone call between Trump and Xi — considered critical to resolving deadlocks — has yet to take place. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt recently said the leaders “would likely speak this week,” and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted on CBS’ Face the Nation that a leader-level call could “very soon” help iron out differences.
However, China’s Foreign Ministry stated Tuesday that it had “no information to share” when questioned about the proposed call.
Trump’s Mixed Messaging on China
Trump’s latest post strikes a more conciliatory tone compared to a sharper message last Friday, where he accused China of completely violating their trade agreement. He claimed he had previously made a “fast deal” with China to save them from an economic fallout but was now regretting the decision, sarcastically adding: “So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”
The Trump administration has continued to tighten economic pressure, doubling tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to 50% and intensifying negotiations with multiple countries regarding trade barriers.
Broader Trade Strategy
This dispute forms part of Trump’s larger effort to reshape global trade dynamics, bring back American manufacturing jobs, and reduce dependency on foreign imports — particularly from China. With the 2025 election cycle heating up, Trump’s stance on China is once again becoming a central talking point.
The coming weeks will reveal whether diplomatic channels can revive the fragile trade truce or if tensions will escalate into another round of economic conflict.
