H1: Xi Urges Trump to Control Hardliners Threatening Tariff Truce
H2: The Background of the Tariff Truce
The ongoing trade war between the United States and China has been a source of tension and uncertainty for both countries and the global economy. In an effort to ease tensions and reach a resolution, President Trump and President Xi Jinping agreed to a temporary truce in December 2018. As part of this truce, the U.S. agreed to postpone a planned increase in tariffs on Chinese goods, while China agreed to increase purchases of American agricultural products.
H2: Threats to the Tariff Truce
However, recent reports suggest that hardliners within the Trump administration are pushing for a tougher stance on China, potentially jeopardizing the fragile truce. These hardliners argue that China has not made sufficient progress on issues such as intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer, and are calling for a return to the original tariff schedule.
H2: Xi’s Call to Trump
In a phone call on Tuesday, President Xi Jinping urged President Trump to control the hardliners within his administration and maintain the tariff truce. According to Chinese state media, Xi emphasized the importance of cooperation and dialogue in resolving trade disputes, and warned that a return to escalating tariffs would be detrimental to both countries and the global economy.
A source familiar with the call told Reuters that Xi’s message to Trump was clear: “We need to work together to find a solution that is mutually beneficial and avoids further escalation of the trade war.” The source also noted that Xi expressed his willingness to continue negotiations with the U.S. to reach a comprehensive trade agreement.
H2: The Future of U.S.-China Relations
The outcome of the phone call between Xi and Trump remains uncertain, as the Trump administration continues to grapple with internal divisions over its China policy. Some officials, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, have advocated for a more conciliatory approach towards China in order to reach a trade deal, while others, such as U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, have taken a harder line.
As the two countries approach a crucial deadline in March, when the temporary truce is set to expire, the stakes are high for both sides. Failure to reach a resolution could lead to a resumption of hostilities in the form of increased tariffs and retaliatory measures, with potentially devastating consequences for the global economy.
In conclusion, the phone call between Xi Jinping and President Trump highlights the delicate balance of power and influence within the Trump administration when it comes to China policy. As the two leaders navigate the complexities of trade negotiations, the world watches anxiously to see whether they can overcome internal divisions and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The question remains: Will Trump be able to control the hardliners threatening the tariff truce, or will the U.S.-China trade war escalate once again?