President Donald Trump summarized his view of the China trade war: he was “forced” into a “not sustainable” policy, but he believes “we’re going to be fine” after he meets with President Xi Jinping in two weeks.
This narrative, blending victimhood and optimism, comes as the two leaders prepare for a high-stakes summit, likely at the APEC meeting in South Korea.
Trump’s admission that the tariffs are “not sustainable” is a significant development. He balanced it by stating, “I get along great with him [Xi],” and “I think we’re going to be fine with China.”
However, a 90-day truce that has held the trade war at bay expires on November 10. This deadline adds pressure to find a “fair deal,” which Trump insists is his primary goal.
He continues to defend the tariffs as essential. “If we didn’t have tariffs, we would be exposed as being a nothing,” he said, just days after threatening new 100% tariffs.
Trump: ‘Forced’ Into ‘Not Sustainable’ Tariffs, But ‘We’ll Be Fine’
