As China-US tensions flare again, Trump unexpectedly softens tone
US President Donald Trump softens tone on China after tariff threats as Beijing accuses US of double standards and warns of countermeasures. - REUTERS/Filepic
BEIJING/WASHINGTON: After a bout of trade tensions between the US and China escalated in recent weeks, President Donald Trump unexpectedly adopted a more conciliatory tone on Sunday, reported German news agency dpa.
AI Brief
- Trump warned of 100% tariffs and software export controls on China, citing rare earth export restrictions.
- Beijing accused the US of double standards and threatened to retaliate if the US continues its current approach.
- Trump questioned his upcoming meeting with Xi amid rising trade tensions but later softened his stance.
It remains unclear what prompted Trump to take this softer approach.
On Friday, Trump threatened to impose additional 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports along with new controls on critical software, by November 1.
He had also questioned whether his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea would take place, citing the ongoing trade conflict.
Trump defended his earlier moves by saying that China had sent "letters to countries all over the world" announcing export restrictions on rare earths and other materials. He described the move as sudden, warning it could paralyse global trade and harm many nations.
Earlier on Sunday, Beijing responded by accusing the US of double standards and threatened countermeasures.
"If the US stubbornly sticks to its course, China will resolutely take corresponding measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests," said the Ministry of Commerce in a statement.
China also criticised the US for abusing export controls under the guise of national security, applying discriminatory measures and unilaterally extending jurisdiction over products such as semiconductors and computer chips.
--BERNAMA-dpa
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