One month after his second term, US President Donald Trump suggested that a new trade agreement with China is “possible”, despite the escalation of economic hostilities between the largest economists in the world. Speaking on Air Force One on Wednesday, Trump referred to the 2020 trade agreement between the two countries and hinted at the possibility of new negotiations.
However, the renewed trade conflict has already intensified, as Trump imposed a comprehensive tariff on multiple trade partners, including China, Canada, Mexico and the European Union, as part of his broader strategy to reduce the American trade deficit. At the beginning of February, his administration imposed an additional tariff of 10 % on all Chinese imports, indicating a return to the strict trade policies that set his first term.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged Washington to deal with commercial tensions with “mutual respect”, and repeated Beijing’s long position that the wars of customs tariffs harm both sides and disrupt global economic stability. Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun confirmed that no one is benefiting from commercial conflicts, warning of more economic confrontation. Separately, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce denounced the United States for using definitions as a tool for coercion, and urged Washington to refrain from taking advantage of economic pressure in diplomatic conflicts.
The latest developments indicate that Trump’s combat commercial position on China continues, a policy that has first gained traction during his initial presidency. The commercial deal for 2020, which is often referred to as the “first stage”, requires Beijing to increase its purchases for American goods, especially agricultural products, in exchange for identification relief. However, tensions continued as the United States accused China of not meeting its obligations, while Beijing criticized Washington’s unexpected policies.
Trump’s re -election of these frictions, as his administration has multiplied with protective measures that could destabilize global markets. Since China and the United States are preparing for another round of economic confrontation, the question remains whether the recent notes of Trump indicate a real interest in a commercial deal or just a negotiating tactic in wider geopolitical competition.
