Amid intensifying trade tensions between the United States and China, former President Donald Trump stated that it is now up to Beijing to come forward with a tariff deal.
“The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them,” read White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, quoting Trump’s dictated statement.
Boeing Fallout Adds to Friction
The remarks follow China’s move to halt deliveries of Boeing Co. jets, a retaliatory response to Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%. Trump also took to Truth Social to claim China had “reneged on the big Boeing deal”, despite having fully committed to the aircraft.
“They will ‘not take possession’ of fully committed aircraft,” Trump posted.
US Eyes Other Trade Partners
In response to the escalating tariff battle, the Trump administration has begun negotiations with dozens of countries to seek relief and new trade deals, aiming to diversify away from Chinese dependence and ease the impact of reciprocal duties.
“China wants what we have… the American consumer… they need our money,” Trump said, underscoring the US market’s global leverage.