Battle of Words: US-China Trade Agreement in Peril? - Trump vs. China: A Spat of Accusations
Trade Agreement Under Threat? - Trump and China Engage in Disputes - Trump Engaged in a Contention with China
In the ongoing trade skirmish between China and the US, the two heavyweights have traded sharp jabs. After US President Donald Trump accused the Chinese of non-compliance with the agreements struck in Geneva about two weeks back, China has hit back with criticism of the US.
The US side has allegedly continued to impose discriminatory restrictions against China since the Geneva talks, according to the Beijing commerce ministry. highlighted measures include restrictions on the sale of AI chips and chip design software to China, as well as the cancellation of visas for Chinese students in the US.
Instead of scrutinizing its own moves, the US administration has been unWarrentedly pointing fingers at China for violating the consensus, the ministry stated.
Trump's Verbal Blows
China and the US had reached a compromise during the mid-May trade dispute meeting in Switzerland, agreeing to momentarily decrease their mutual tariffs. The joint statement between the two economic titans declared this concession would last for 90 days. The arrangement saw the US tariffs on Chinese imports decrease from 145% to 30%, while China's tariffs on US imports dropped from 125% to 10%.
At the time, Trump described a more open China as the crucial goal, claiming that China had agreed to it. However, the U.S. administration's stance towards China has grown more robust of late. "The bad news is that China, as some would not be surprised, has completely broken its word with us," Trump declared on his online platform Truth Social on Friday. "So much for being 'Mr. Nice Guy!'" he added, without elaborating on the alleged breach of agreement.
Direct Dialogue?
According to media sources, other US government representatives have criticized China for following through with the tariff reduction agreement, but obstacles including export restrictions on rare earths persist.
During a press conference in the Oval Office, Trump simply stated that China had "violated a significant portion of the agreement". He remained optimistic, however, about a forthcoming conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping - "and hopefully, we'll find a resolution". There was no confirmation from Beijing about such a discussion at the time.
- Trade War
- China
- Donald Trump
- USA
- Trade Dispute
- Beijing
- US President
- Exchange of Insults
- Trade Conflict
- Geneva
- Software
Contextual Insights:
The recent trade spat between the US and China revolves around adherence to agreements reached in Geneva and the effects of recent actions on AI chips and student visas.
The Geneva Agreement:
- Tariff Reductions: The US reduced tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China decreased tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10%[1][2].
- Elimination of Non-Tariff Measures: China agreed to remove or suspend certain non-tariff barriers against the US following the April 2025 implementations[3][4].
China, however, has condemned the US for resuming export controls on AI chips, which they see as a provocation[1].
Impact on Student Visas:
At present, reports do not specify how the trade conflict directly affects student visas. Nevertheless, broader tensions in US-China relations have historically impacted visa policies with potential repercussions for students and academic exchanges.
Future Developments:
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remains positive about resolving U.S.-China trade issues, suggesting ongoing discussions and the potential for future agreements[1]. The truce's 90-day duration allows both sides to establish a platform for continued dialogue on economic and trade matters[3]. Overall, while the tariff reduction agreement has shown progress, ongoing disputes regarding AI chip export controls, general trade uncertainty persist and contribute to the ongoing tension in US-China relations.
- The ongoing trade dispute between the US and China, revolving around the Geneva agreements and recent actions affecting AI chips and student visas, has escalated into a spat of accusations, with President Trump accusing China of breaching the compromised terms, while China counters that the US has been imposing discriminatory restrictions.
- Amidst the exchange of heated words, it remains unclear whether direct dialogue between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will occur, as both sides grapple with the complexities of the trade policy, legislation, and politics involved in this general news context of war-and-conflicts.
