Trump gives China choice: Meet US demands or face tariffs

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said earlier that he would not allow China to use its influence over the strategic materials market as a tool of pressure.

The US President demands that China stop the export of fentanyl, resume purchases of American soybeans, and refrain from manipulating the supply of rare earth metals. Only under these conditions, according to Donald Trump, will it be possible to return to trade negotiations between the two countries.

Separately, the US President emphasized the demand to stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors into the American market, accusing China of insufficient control over the export of chemical components that contribute to the opioid crisis in the United States.

Talks in Malaysia: The last chance before a truce

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the next round of negotiations between the US and Chinese delegations will take place this week in Malaysia. This will happen less than three weeks before the current trade truce expires on November 10.

Tensions between the two countries have sharply increased after the United States announced the introduction of 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting on November 1, as well as additional technological restrictions. In response, China promised strict export controls on strategic metals, including rare earth elements.

Soy front

Washington is also demanding the resumption of American soybean purchases, which have completely stopped during the current year. Last year, China imported oilseeds from the United States worth more than 12 billion dollars, but it has now entirely shifted to supplies from South America. This has caused profound discontent among American farmers, who are an essential part of Trump's electoral base.

American farmers are increasingly demanding action from the White House, as warehouses are overflowing with unsold soybeans and the market is nearly paralyzed. Washington is preparing compensation packages, but their approval is being delayed due to budget disputes and the partial shutdown of the government.

Trump earlier called on China to increase soybean purchases fourfold, but so far, there have been no signs from Beijing of readiness to take such a step.

Rare earth metals

The potential restriction of rare earth metal exports from China poses a strategic threat to the US military-industrial complex, as well as to smartphone and electronics manufacturers.

The Chinese side is trying to assure the international community that expected trade flows will not be affected. Still, at the same time, official Beijing directly describes export controls as a response to "provocative" US sanctions.

Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to personally discuss the most pressing issues at the end of the month during the APEC summit in South Korea.

Donald Trump earlier expressed admiration for Xi and said that everything between the United States and China will "be fine."