President Donald Trump struck a conciliatory tone on Sunday, Ocotber 12, calling for restraint in the ongoing trade dispute with China and expressing personal respect for Chinese President Xi Jinping. His remarks, shared on Truth Social late in the evening, came as relations between Washington and Beijing grew increasingly tense over new tariffs and export restrictions.
“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 U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!” Trump wrote.
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The post appeared intended to ease market concerns and signal that the administration still sees room for dialogue, despite recent economic measures that have heightened uncertainty across global supply chains.
JD Vance warns of testing weeks ahead
Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, took a firmer stance, suggesting that the coming weeks would reveal whether Beijing is open to negotiation or preparing for confrontation. “We’re going to find out a lot in the weeks to come about whether China wants to start a trade war with us or whether they actually want to be reasonable,” Vance said.
His comments came as the administration prepares to implement a series of sweeping trade measures, including a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese imports beginning November 1.
Tariffs and rare earth controls widen rift
The renewed strain follows Beijing’s decision to impose new export restrictions on rare earth elements – essential for electronics, defence, and green technologies. Washington responded with tariff threats, arguing that China’s curbs jeopardise global supply chains and constitute unfair trade practice.
China’s Commerce Ministry called the US move “unjustified” and accused Washington of hypocrisy. While Beijing has not yet announced counter-tariffs, state media reports indicate that retaliatory options remain on the table.
