US President Donald Trump stated he would "rather not" impose tariffs on China, despite having previously pledged to hit the nation with heavy import levies during his campaign. In an interview with Fox News that aired on Thursday, January 23, Trump revealed that while he is prepared to implement a 10 percent tariff on all Chinese imports starting February 1, he is also open to negotiations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on trade and Taiwan issues. Trump's remarks came shortly after he assumed office on Monday.
During the interview, Trump emphasized his belief in the power of tariffs as a negotiating tool against China, which he considers America's biggest economic rival. He noted that tariffs are a "very big power" over China and expressed his preference to avoid using them. However, he stated that should it become necessary, higher tariffs, potentially as steep as 60 percent, could be imposed on Chinese goods.
"I can do that because we have something that they want, we have a pot of gold."
— US President Donald Trump
"We have one very big power over China, and that's tariffs, and they don't want them, and I'd rather not have to use it. But it's a tremendous power over China,"
— US President Donald Trump
While Trump's comments reflect his strategic stance, Beijing has called for the United States and China to resolve their differences through diplomatic means. On Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning appealed for "dialogue and consultation" as the preferable path forward. She emphasized that mutual cooperation between the two nations is beneficial.
"Trade wars and tariff wars have no winners and don't serve anyone's interests or the world's interests"
— Mao Ning, foreign ministry spokeswoman of China
China has consistently voiced its opposition to tariffs, recognizing them as detrimental to global trade and economic stability. The ongoing discourse between the two economic powerhouses highlights the complexities surrounding their bilateral relations. While Trump holds tariffs as an advantage, both nations acknowledge the potential benefits of finding common ground through dialogue.
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