President Donald Trump’s comment comes just days after threatening to impose a 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods over rare-earth export restrictions
Washington: President Donald Trump on Sunday struck a softer tone toward China, describing President Xi Jinping as “highly respected” and stating that the United States intends to support China rather than harm it.
Trump made the comments in a post on Truth Social, saying: “The U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!” He added that Xi “doesn’t want Depression for his country,” and neither does he.
Also Read
The shift in tone comes days after Trump threatened a 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods, set to take effect on November 1, in response to China’s new export restrictions on rare-earth elements. He had described China’s move as “extraordinarily aggressive” and accused it of attempting to “hold the world captive.”
China responded by rejecting tariff threats while reiterating that it does not seek a trade war. The country’s Commerce Ministry stated: “We do not want a tariff war but we are not afraid of one,” warning that “resolute measures” would follow if the proposed tariffs are implemented.
The rare-earth export curbs cited by China are linked to national security concerns and potential military applications, though licences will continue to be granted for “legitimate civilian uses.”
US Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s position, calling China’s dominance over supply chains “a national emergency.” He told Fox News that while the situation is delicate, the United States holds significant leverage over China in trade negotiations.
The latest development represents a rapid oscillation in US policy rhetoric toward China. While Trump previously labelled China’s restrictions on rare-earth minerals as “sinister and hostile,” the president now emphasises cooperation over conflict. Rare-earth elements, crucial for electronics, renewable energy, and defence technologies, have become a focal point in US-China trade tensions.
The proposed 100 percent tariff, planned to start November 1, would target Chinese goods in retaliation for perceived trade manipulations. China has stated that its new export control regulations are not a blanket ban and continue to allow exports for legitimate civilian purposes.
Experts view Trump’s conciliatory message as an attempt to de-escalate tensions and avoid triggering a broader trade war, while still signalling that the United States is prepared to protect its economic and strategic interests. JD Vance stressed that the US maintains “far more cards than the People’s Republic of China” if negotiations intensify.
The situation remains fluid, with global markets closely monitoring developments, as rare-earth minerals are critical for multiple high-tech industries worldwide. Both nations are navigating a delicate balance between economic pressure and diplomatic engagement, amid fears that missteps could significantly disrupt supply chains and trade relations.
(With AFP inputs)
Published: 12 Oct 2025, 10:56 pm IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.