US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to China, threatening to impose a staggering 155% tariff on Chinese goods if President Xi Jinping does not agree to a fair trade deal. This aggressive stance comes ahead of a crucial meeting planned between the two leaders on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Trump made the announcement following a critical minerals agreement signing with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He highlighted that China is already paying substantial amounts in tariffs, approximately 55%, and indicated this figure could surge significantly without a resolution. The President emphasized that the US is no longer willing to be taken advantage of in trade relationships, citing recent successful trade pacts with other nations. He expressed optimism about reaching a fair agreement with Xi, anticipating a significant and closely watched discussion. The potential escalation of trade tensions between the two global superpowers could have considerable implications for the international economy, making the outcome of the Trump-Xi meeting highly anticipated. Beijing has not yet officially confirmed President Xi’s attendance at the APEC summit, with details often finalized closer to the event. Trump’s previous pronouncements include a 100% tariff on Chinese goods and new export controls on critical software, adding to the existing 55% levies. He reiterated his belief that China pays a ‘tremendous amount of money’ in tariffs and suggested that while they might seek a reduction, concessions are necessary for any deal. Trump characterized current trade dynamics as no longer being a ‘one-way street,’ demanding reciprocal benefits for the United States.
