President Donald Trump hinted at a potential softening of his trade stance toward China, admitting in a recent Fox Business interview that the current tariff levels “can’t last forever.” He said the measures were a reluctant response to Beijing’s lack of cooperation, adding, “They forced my hand, but this situation isn’t sustainable.”
The remarks mark a notable change in tone from Trump, who has spent weeks warning of steep duties on Chinese imports. His comments come just days before a long-anticipated face-to-face meeting with President Xi Jinping, which U.S. officials hope will cool months of escalating economic tension. “They want to meet, and so do we,” Trump said, confirming that preparations for the summit are well underway.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced the message of cautious optimism, revealing plans to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Malaysia next week. “Relations have improved,” he said, expressing confidence that Trump and Xi’s personal rapport could steer talks toward progress.
The diplomatic overtures follow a turbulent period in global markets. Last week, Trump’s warning of tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods rattled investors and reignited fears of a new trade war. The threat came after Beijing restricted exports of key rare earth minerals, prompting Washington to weigh tougher technology controls in response.
With a 90-day trade truce set to expire on November 10, both nations face mounting pressure to find common ground. Despite the uncertainty, Trump struck an upbeat note:
“Talks are moving along. I believe my meeting with President Xi will go well.”
Whether this softer rhetoric signals a genuine de-escalation or merely a pause in an ongoing power struggle remains to be seen, but for now, the markets are watching for signs that diplomacy might finally win out over confrontation.
