US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described Chinese President Xi Jinping as “extremely hard” to strike a deal with, even as the White House hinted the two leaders might speak later this week.
“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.
His remarks followed comments from a senior White House official to CNBC earlier in the week, suggesting that a call between Trump and Xi was likely in the coming days.
Tensions have escalated between the two countries, with each side accusing the other of violating a trade agreement reached in Switzerland on May 12. That deal had included a 90-day suspension of most tariffs and a broad rollback of trade measures implemented since April.
However, Washington says Beijing has not eased restrictions on rare earth exports as expected, while China has criticised the US for pushing ahead with efforts to restrict Chinese access to advanced technology. The Trump administration also recently announced plans to revoke visas for some Chinese students.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged on Friday that the talks had “stalled somewhat,” and said direct involvement from Trump and Xi might be necessary to move things forward.
The two leaders last spoke in January, shortly before Trump’s second inauguration. Although Trump has expressed a desire to reconnect with Xi, analysts believe China will only agree to a conversation if reassured there won’t be any unexpected moves from Washington during the call.