U.S, China edge toward trade showdown as Trump offers room for negotiation

October 13, 2025 (MLN): U.S–China trade tensions have heated up, but President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to negotiate despite the sharp exchange of new threats between Washington and Beijing.

The latest dispute erupted after China placed new export restrictions on rare earth elements and advanced technologies, prompting the U.S. to threaten a 100% tariff on Chinese imports.

Yet amid the rising rhetoric, Trump struck a conciliatory tone on his social media platform Truth Social, writing: “Don’t worry about China, everything will be fine.

The highly respected President Xi just went through a rough patch. He doesn’t want a depression for his country, and neither do I. The U.S. wants to help China, not hurt it.”

Trump’s comments came after U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that the president is ready to be a “reasonable negotiator” with Beijing, but also warned that Washington “has more cards to play” if China responds negatively.

When asked if measures could include expelling Chinese companies from the U.S., Vance replied, “Trump is ready for anything.”

China responded swiftly and strongly. In a statement posted on its Ministry of Commerce website, Beijing accused Washington of “severely undermining” the climate for trade negotiations.

The ministry’s spokesperson condemned the American approach as “a typical example of double standards,” accusing the U.S. of abusing the concept of national security to justify discriminatory export controls.

“Threatening China with high tariffs is not the right way to dialogue,” the statement read.

“Our position has always been consistent: we do not want a trade war, but we are not afraid of one. If the U.S. proceeds, China will take corresponding measures.”

The ministry also noted that Washington continues to expand its sanctions list, adding Chinese companies and tightening policies on shipping and technology.

Recently just weeks ago, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a positive phone call and agreed to meet at the APEC summit in South Korea later this month.

However, Trump later said he saw “no reason” to meet Xi though he later clarified the meeting had not been canceled.

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