Trump says China 'totally violated' deal with US on tariffs
STORY: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday China had violated an agreement with the U.S. to mutually roll back tariffs and trade restrictions for critical minerals.
He also issued a veiled threat to get tougher with Beijing, writing on Truth Social, "China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!"
Just hours later, China hit back, urging the U.S. to end what it called "discriminatory restrictions" against Beijing and for the two sides to "jointly uphold the consensus reached at the high-level talks in Geneva," according to a statement from China's embassy in Washington.
:: May 12, 2025
Trump said he made a "fast deal" in mid-May with Chinese officials for both countries to back away from triple-digit tariffs for 90 days.
He said he did this to save China from a "devastating" situation, factory closings and civil unrest caused by his tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports.
Trump didn't specify how China had violated the agreement, but U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer told CNBC that the flow of critical minerals from China, which had been cut off by Chinese trade countermeasures, has not resumed as called for by the deal.
On Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News Channel that U.S. trade talks with China were "a bit stalled" and getting a deal over the finish line will likely need the direct involvement of Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Later on Friday, White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller said the Trump administration is readying other actions targeting China, adding, "It would be incredibly unwise for China to continue down this path and not seek instead the path of cooperation."
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