LONDON: In a surprising turn during the intensifying trade tensions between the United States and China, US President Donald Trump described Chinese President Xi Jinping as “a very smart man” during an address at the White House on Wednesday. His remarks have drawn attention globally, especially as relations between the two superpowers teeter on the edge of further economic conflict.
Speaking to reporters, President Trump expressed a cautious optimism about the potential to strike a new deal with Beijing. “I think investing in the United States of America will be the greatest investment,” he said. “We will get a phone call at some point, and then it’s off to the races.”
The US leader’s comments come just hours after he announced a significant escalation in the ongoing tariff war, raising reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods to 125 per cent. This was in direct response to China’s recent imposition of 84 per cent tariffs on American imports. The tit-for-tat measures mark one of the most aggressive phases in the economic standoff to date.
Despite these tensions, Trump’s tone towards Xi Jinping appeared markedly conciliatory. “He’s one of the smartest people in the world,” Trump stated, adding that Xi “knows exactly what needs to be done” and “loves his country.” These unusually warm words have sparked speculation about a potential thaw in the frosty diplomatic atmosphere.
It is worth noting, however, that Trump has yet to directly communicate with President Xi since assuming office for his second term. This represents the longest period in two decades that an American president has gone without direct contact with their Chinese counterpart, highlighting the severity of the current diplomatic impasse.
Nevertheless, Trump suggested that lines of communication remain open and that a resolution might still be within reach. While he did not confirm any planned talks, he hinted that a call might be forthcoming. “I’m not looking to raise tariffs any further,” he clarified, while also asserting that the United States would continue to apply significant pressure where necessary.
In explaining his rationale, Trump compared the situation to global trade norms, claiming that many other countries, including Canada, impose even steeper tariffs on American goods — particularly citing dairy products. He used this as justification for the latest measures against Beijing.
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The President also took the opportunity to criticise past US administrations, accusing them of allowing the country to be “treated so badly” in international trade deals. “We’re now a strong country again,” he insisted, pointing to America’s military might and economic resilience.
Meanwhile, responses from both sides of the Pacific have highlighted the deepening rift. According to the Associated Press, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China of being a “bad actor” on the world stage. In contrast, The People’s Daily — the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party — labelled America’s approach as “tariff bullying”. The editorial also referenced China’s long history of trade disputes with the US, but suggested that Beijing has not closed the door to negotiation.
The global community now watches with bated breath as the world’s two largest economies engage in high-stakes brinkmanship. Whether Trump’s praise for Xi Jinping will pave the way for meaningful dialogue or remain a fleeting diplomatic gesture remains to be seen.
