24-1-2025 (WASHINGTON) US President Donald Trump has indicated a preference to avoid imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports, whilst maintaining the threat as a strategic tool in US-China relations.
Speaking to Fox News in a broadcast interview on Thursday, Trump characterised tariffs as America’s “tremendous power over China” but expressed reluctance to deploy them. “I’d rather not have to use it,” the former president stated, suggesting a more nuanced approach to trade negotiations than previously indicated.
Trump’s comments came just days after assuming office, where he had floated the possibility of implementing a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports beginning 1 February. This represents a significant moderation from his campaign rhetoric, which had proposed levies as high as 60 per cent.
The president framed the tariff discussion within broader strategic considerations, particularly regarding Taiwan. “We have something that they want, we have a pot of gold,” Trump remarked, highlighting America’s economic leverage in broader geopolitical negotiations.
Beijing’s response came swiftly through foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, who advocated for diplomatic solutions through “dialogue and consultation.” She emphasised the mutual benefits of US-China trade relations, warning that “trade wars and tariff wars have no winners and don’t serve anyone’s interests or the world’s interests.”
