‘President Xi had a bad moment’: Trump says US wants to ‘help’ China; will he back down from 100% tariff threat?
US President Donald Trump struck a markedly softer tone on China on Sunday, referring to President Xi Jinping as “highly respected” and insisting the United States wants to “help” China, not hurt it, despite escalating tensions over rare earths and looming tariffs. “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “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!!! President DJT”
Also read: Why has US threatened to impose additional 100% tariff on China?The sudden change in tone came just days after the 47th POTUS accused China of taking a “sinister and hostile” step by imposing sweeping export controls on rare earth elements: a move that reignited tensions between the world’s two largest economies. He warned that China was attempting to “hold the world captive” and hinted at a “massive increase of tariffs” on Chinese goods.
Beijing stands firm
China’s commerce ministry responded on Sunday to Trump’s earlier threat of a 100% tariff hike, urging Washington to “promptly correct its wrong practices” and engage in “equal-footed consultation.” The statement said: “We do not want a tariff war, but we are not afraid of one.”The ministry warned that if the US “insists on going the wrong way,” China would take “resolute measures” to protect its legitimate interests. It also said the export controls were “not export bans,” emphasising that licences would be issued for civilian and humanitarian uses, such as medical assistance and disaster relief.China accounts for nearly 70% of global rare earth mining and about 90% of processing, giving it a dominant position in global supply chains. The minerals are vital for manufacturing jet engines, smartphones, radar systems, and electric vehicles.Also read: China blasts US over additional 100% tariff; calls out ‘double standards’The renewed tensions stem from China’s restrictions on exports of rare earth elements and associated technologies, citing national security and concerns over foreign military applications. The Chinese ministry clarified that the new rules are not outright bans, and licenses would be granted for “legitimate civilian uses.”
Vance steps in
US Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s tariff threats on Fox News, calling China’s control of critical supplies “the definition of a national emergency.” He insisted the President’s approach was aimed at making the United States more self-sufficient.“It’s going to be a delicate dance,” Vance said, adding that Trump “has far more cards than the People’s Republic of China.” However, he also left room for compromise, saying: “If they’re willing to be reasonable, then Donald Trump is always willing to be a reasonable negotiator.”
