US Sets Trade Conditions If No Deal With China

President Trump and his administration have signaled optimism about reaching a trade deal with China, with Trump asserting that the U.S. will set the terms if no agreement is reached and expressing hope for tariff reductions following a successful negotiation. The White House has attempted to reassure investors and financial markets that progress is being made, though some skepticism remains due to a lack of formal outreach and the absence of key diplomatic appointments. Meanwhile, China has responded with strong warnings to other nations against entering trade deals with the U.S. that could harm Chinese interests, vowing to enact reciprocal measures. The ongoing tariff exchanges between the two countries have unsettled global markets, and China's leadership has criticized what it calls U.S. unilateralism, seeking support from regional partners and international bodies. Analysts caution that despite the administration's positive rhetoric, meaningful progress is unlikely in the near term, noting that negotiations remain at an early stage and any potential agreement is likely to be complex and drawn out.