Trump Seeks Direct Talks with Xi Amid Trade Tensions

The Trump administration is signaling a potential shift in its approach to the U.S.-China trade war, with President Trump indicating a willingness to reduce tariffs if a trade deal can be reached and expressing optimism about progress toward an agreement. However, this softer rhetoric stands in contrast to actions taken, as Trump has bypassed traditional diplomatic channels, insisting on direct negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping and stalling all other forms of official communication. These moves have resulted in heightened tensions and uncertainty, with both countries imposing steep retaliatory tariffs—145% by the U.S. on Chinese goods and 125% by China on U.S. products—pushing relations to what experts describe as an 'economic war.' While the Trump administration has calmed markets by pausing further tariffs for most countries, China remains a notable exception, and prospects for a face-to-face summit between Trump and Xi appear increasingly unlikely. Analysts suggest that U.S.-China ties are at their lowest point in decades, with broader cooperation on issues like climate change and drug policy also stalling. Despite some optimistic signals, the underlying relationship remains deeply strained and volatile.