US President Donald Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping over the phone, with a stressful discussion about the proposed tariff on Chinese goods. Trump said that it is “extremely difficult” to deal with Xi Jinping, as China is adamant on its economic policies.
According to Hindustan Times, Trump had recently announced a 25% additional tariff on Chinese imports, in response to which China has threatened counter -tariffs on US agricultural products. Trump claimed that the move is necessary to strengthen the US economy and save domestic industries. During the phone calls, Trump discussed issues such as trade imbalance from Xi, theft of intellectual property and tension in the South China Sea.
A White House statement stated that the conversation was “open and clear”, but no concrete compromise. Trump later said in a press conference, “Xi is a very clever leader, but it is not easy to deal with him. We have to protect our interests.”
China’s Foreign Ministry said in response that Beijing would not accept “forced policies” and cooperation between the two countries is the only way. Experts believe that this tariff dispute may affect the global trade and supply chain.
