Former U.S. President Donald Trump took a softer tone toward China on Sunday, saying the United States wants to help, not hurt, its biggest trade rival. His statement came just days after he threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese goods, which had shaken global markets.
“The USA wants to help China, not hurt it!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that President Xi Jinping “doesn’t want Depression for his country.”
Last Friday, Trump warned he would introduce new tariffs starting November 1 in response to China’s strict export controls on rare-earth materials. These elements are essential for producing smartphones, electric vehicles, and military technology — industries heavily dependent on China.
Beijing quickly fired back, accusing Washington of “double standards.” China’s Ministry of Commerce said that constant tariff threats aren’t the right way to engage with Beijing.
Currently, Chinese exports to the U.S. face 30% tariffs, while China’s retaliatory tariffs sit at 10%. Rare earths remain one of the most contentious issues in their trade talks.
Trump’s remarks on Sunday seemed aimed at cooling tensions and reassuring investors after Wall Street stocks fell sharply following his earlier comments.
