U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Friday delivered a message aimed at easing tensions that rose after President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would raise tariffs on China to 100%.
Vance said in a press release:
- “We appreciate the friendship between President Trump and President Xi.”
- “President Trump wants the United States to no longer need to use ‘coercive force’ against China.”
- “President Trump is ready to engage in rational negotiations with China.”
These statements come after Beijing issued a stern warning to the U.S. government that China’s Ministry of Commerce is escalating tensions after the Trump administration announced plans to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports and impose export controls on some critical software starting November 1.
“Threatening with high tariffs is not the right way to build healthy relations with China,” a ministry spokesperson said in a statement carried by state news agency Xinhua. “China’s position on the trade war is clear: We do not want war, but we are not afraid of war.”
The spokesperson also hinted at the possibility of retaliation, saying, “If the United States continues on the wrong path, China will take decisive action to protect its legitimate rights.”
*This is not investment advice.
