- By Supratik Das
- Sun, 12 Oct 2025 11:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President Donald Trump on Sunday struck a conciliatory tone towards China, stating that the United States “wants to help China, not hurt it,” just days after threatening an additional 100 per cent tariff on Chinese imports.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Chinese President Xi Jinping as “highly respected” and said the Chinese leader “just had a bad moment,” assuring that neither country wants to push the other into economic depression. “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine!” Trump wrote.
China Responds To US Tariff Threat
China’s Ministry of Commerce responded to Trump’s threat by calling high tariffs “willful threats” and emphasising that negotiation, not coercion, is the right approach. “Our position on the trade war is consistent. We do not want it, but we are not afraid of it,” a spokesperson said. The statement added that China would take “resolute measures to protect its legitimate rights” if the US pursued a tariff escalation.
The statement comes after the US accused China of “extraordinarily aggressive” trade actions. Beijing recently imposed restrictions on exports of nearly all products containing rare earth elements and hinted at a 100 per cent tariff on US imports starting next month. Rare earth minerals are crucial for electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and military hardware.
Trump also signaled that US could impose export controls on essential software, without detailing, heightening fears about global supply chains. The exchange has caused market turbulence, with experts tipping for higher prices and supply delays globally.
US Officials Defend Measures
Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s position, warning China against aggressive measures while urging a path of reason. Speaking on Fox News Channel, Vance said, “It’s going to be a delicate dance. If China responds reasonably, President Trump is always willing to be a reasonable negotiator. But if they act aggressively, the US has far more cards than China.”
Vance pointed out that China's dominance over strategic supply chains in the US is a national emergency, compelling the imposition of strong trade action. Trump has previously imposed tariffs on multiple trading partners to gain concessions, but China has stood firm largely, using its economic power.
ALSO READ: 'Not Afraid To Fight’: China Strikes Back At Trump’s Additional 100% 'Double Standard' Tariffs
Impact On Global Markets
The trade war continues to disrupt worldwide supply chains, as businesses that use Chinese inputs have increased costs and postponed production. Consumers globally could face increased prices for electronics, renewable energy equipment, and ordinary products.
The rising tensions may influence a possible meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, which is in doubt. Both countries are pushed to reconcile economic interests with geopolitical tactics, and the next few weeks could decide whether a trade war becomes more heated or an agreed-upon solution is found.