The tariff battle between the USA and China is intensifying as neither nation backs down. In the midst of this, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that if any dialogue on tariffs is to happen, the first move must come from China.
President Trump issued a statement emphasizing that China must decide when and how to negotiate tariffs. China must engage with us; we have no need to negotiate with them. There is a distinction between China and any other country.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that China is reliant on the American market. They require what we have. China needs American consumers and our financial capital. This statement from the White House comes after China backed out from a significant deal involving Boeing in the U.S.
It is noteworthy that earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the trade war with the USA, asserting that his nation will not back down. Speaking in Beijing to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, he said no party wins in this trade confrontation. Standing against the global community will only lead to isolation.
He commented on China's progress over 70 years through its hard work, asserting that they will not bow to pressure. Xi urged the European Union to unite against America’s unilateral assertiveness.
Xi Jinping emphasized enhancing cooperation between China and the EU amidst the escalating trade war with the USA. He advocated that China and Europe should fulfill their international duties and collectively respond to this unilateral aggression.
It should be noted that Trump announced a 125% tariff on Chinese goods in the USA on Wednesday. However, the White House later confirmed that, due to existing fentanyl-related duties, the total tariff rate on China escalated to 145%.
