Trump Accuses China of Violating Trade Deal as Tensions Flare, While Beijing Claims U.S. Broke It First

U.S.-China trade tensions reignited Thursday as former President Donald Trump accused Beijing of breaking the terms of their preliminary trade agreement, calling into question the fragile diplomatic progress made just weeks earlier.

“Two weeks ago, China was in grave economic danger!” Trump declared in a fiery post. “The very high tariffs I set made it virtually impossible for China to trade into the United States marketplace… We went, in effect, cold turkey with China, and it was devastating for them.”

According to Trump, the crisis prompted him to intervene and negotiate what he called a “fast deal” to stabilize China’s economy. “Everything quickly stabilized and China got back to business as usual. Everybody was happy! That is the good news,” Trump said. “The bad news is that China… HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”

The president’s accusations follow weeks of rising uncertainty in the trade relationship between the world’s two largest economies. Despite a May 12 agreement to roll back over 100% in recent reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, effective through mid-August, officials from both sides have expressed frustration over unmet expectations.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News Thursday that trade talks are “a bit stalled,” and suggested that only direct engagement between the two leaders might break the impasse. “I believe we will be having more talks with them in the next few weeks,” Bessent said. “They have a very good relationship, and I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table when President Trump makes his preferences known.”

Despite the temporary tariff rollback, Washington has continued pushing forward with chip export restrictions targeting China, prompting backlash from Beijing. In turn, China has not eased its export controls on rare earth minerals — a key sticking point for U.S. officials.

Asked whether China would lift those restrictions, Chinese officials avoided a direct response, insisting such controls were consistent with international norms and vital to “world peace and regional stability.”

China also condemned the U.S. decision to revoke Chinese student visas, calling it “fully unjustified.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday the move was based on ideology and national security concerns and called on Washington to reverse the decision.

Chinese officials, for their part, maintain the U.S. was the first to breach the trade consensus. During a press conference, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized Washington’s continued export restrictions and accused the U.S. of undermining the spirit of the Geneva talks. “China again urges the U.S. to immediately correct its wrong practices,” the spokesperson said.

Trump and Chinese President Xi have not spoken since January, just before Trump’s second inauguration. While Trump has signaled interest in reconnecting, analysts believe Beijing may be reluctant to engage unless it receives clear assurances against further escalations.

President Xi meets President Trump in 2019