China has pushed back after former President Donald Trump accused the country of violating a recent tariff agreement between the two nations. The strong words from both sides have reignited fears that trade tensions may return.
On Friday, Trump claimed China had "totally violated its agreement with us," referring to a truce reached earlier in May in Geneva, where both nations agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs.
He did not provide clear details but later, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said China had not followed through on promises to remove non-tariff trade barriers, BBC said.
"They removed the tariffs like we did, but they've slowed on lifting other trade restrictions," Greer told CNBC. He pointed to issues like export bans on rare earth minerals and blacklisting S. companies as key concerns.
China's embassy in Washington responded by urging the US to "immediately correct its erroneous actions" and to stop "discriminatory restrictions" against Chinese industries. A spokesman also said China had raised repeated objections to US export controls on key chip-making materials.
China pocketed tariff relief, then immediately reneged, blocking mineral exports and boosting tech theft.
— IredcapI (@IredcapI) May 30, 2025
The CCP’s classic move: take concessions, then break the deal. They never planned to honor it. pic.twitter.com/d2llQBJmwQ
China Vows to Defend Rights Amid Trade Dispute
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also criticized the US, saying Washington was using national security as an excuse to "block and suppress China."
According to AP News, Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, "We firmly oppose that and will resolutely defend our legitimate rights."
The original deal, reached on May 11, saw the US lower tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%. China dropped its own tariffs on American goods from 125% to 10%. The agreement was intended to last 90 days while further talks took place.
But now, those talks seem to have stalled. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that negotiations had "lost momentum."
He added that only a direct conversation between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could break the deadlock.
Despite the rising tension, Bessent expressed hope. "I believe we may at some point have a call between the president and President Xi," he said. "They have a very good relationship."
Meanwhile, Trump defended his use of tariffs, saying they had hurt China's economy and helped American jobs.
But a recent court ruling found he may have exceeded his authority in imposing them. A federal appeals court has temporarily allowed the tariffs to stay while the case continues.
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