U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping is “extremely hard” to strike a deal with, as trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies remain unresolved.
“I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, reviving concerns over stalled negotiations and deteriorating diplomatic ties.
The White House has not confirmed whether a call between Trump and Xi has been scheduled, though a senior administration official told CNBC earlier this week that such a conversation is likely.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged Thursday that trade talks were “a bit stalled” and suggested that further progress would likely require direct involvement from both leaders.
The friction escalated after both nations accused each other of breaching a May 12 agreement signed in Switzerland. That deal included a 90-day suspension of tariffs and mutual commitments to roll back retaliatory measures. Washington has since criticized Beijing for failing to ease restrictions on rare earth exports. In turn, Chinese officials condemned recent U.S. actions, including tighter technology controls and visa revocations affecting Chinese students.
During a Tuesday meeting with U.S. Ambassador David Perdue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described American policies as “groundless” and damaging to China’s rights and interests, according to an official Chinese government readout. It also quoted Perdue as saying that Trump had “great respect” for Xi and wished to “meet China halfway.”
Trump and Xi last spoke in January ahead of Trump’s second inauguration. Analysts note that Beijing may hesitate to resume direct talks without clearer signals on potential outcomes.
Perdue later posted on X that he emphasized the importance of trade, fentanyl control, and illegal immigration during his meeting, and reaffirmed the need for continued dialogue.
The latest developments mark another chapter in the complex and often strained U.S.-China relationship, with both sides now weighing the political and economic consequences of prolonged gridlock.
