United States president Trump accuses China of breaching the trade agreement between the two nations.
On May 12, 2020, the United States and China announced a trade agreement, colloquially known as the "Phase One" deal, which aimed to alleviate trade tension by having China promise increased purchases of American goods and services, as well as stronger intellectual property protections. However, the bilateral trade relationship has remained tumultuous, with ongoing disputes including allegations that China violated parts of the agreement.
In a social media post on May 14, 2020, former President Donald Trump shared his perspective on the deal, stating that he had negotiated a "quick agreement" to rescue China from economic hardship brought on by tariffs. He added that "everything stabilized swiftly" and business resumed as usual following the deal, making no mention of American interests. However, Trump later accused China of violating the agreement, lamenting that "China, perhaps not surprisingly, has entirely disregarded its promises to us."
To respond to Trump's claims, China's embassy in Washington stated that both nations have remained in contact and that Beijing has raised concerns over the US's use of export control measures in the semiconductor sector. The embassy spokesperson, Liu Pengyu, urged the US to rectify its actions, halt discriminatory restrictions against China, and adhere to the agreements reached during high-level talks in Geneva.
The 2020 deal stipulated measures to promote "mutual respect and benefits" and restore consultative mechanisms for regular communication to minimize unexpected trade frictions. Beyond tariff reductions, both parties hoped to deepen economic cooperation while addressing differences strategically.
The US's claims of Chinese violations and subsequent tariff escalations have hampered the achievement of a stable trade environment. The temporary reduction of tariffs reached on May 14, 2025, and the renewed diplomatic engagement suggest progress in resolving trade tensions, but their longevity and the long-term adherence of both parties remain uncertain.
- The Phase One trade agreement between the United States and China, despite initial promises, has been marred by allegations of China's violation of its commitments, leading to discord in business relations.
- The ongoing trade disputes between the two nations extend beyond trade policy and legislation, spilling over into politics, with each party accusing the other of breaching agreements.
- The volatile trade relationship between the US and China is deeply intertwined with general news and geopolitical events, such as the use of export control measures in the semiconductor sector, which have further exacerbated the war-and-conflicts dimension of their relationship.
