Trump's officials failed to stop China from imposing retaliatory tariffs, sources say
Photo: Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump tried to persuade Chinese officials not to impose retaliatory tariffs against the United States, but their efforts were unsuccessful, CNN reports.
According to sources familiar with the matter, during private talks just hours before China announced its new retaliatory tariffs, Trump administration officials warned their Chinese counterparts against taking such a step.
Chinese officials were also told that Chinese leader Xi Jinping should request a call with Trump. However, the message did not persuade Beijing - China moved forward with the tariffs, and no request for a leader-level call was made.
"For over 70 years, China’s development has relied on self-reliance and hard work - never on handouts from others, and it is not afraid of any unjust suppression,” Xi Jinping said.
China-US trade war
The US has raised tariffs on imports from more than 180 countries, including China. The US tariffs against China amounted to 34%.
Beijing almost immediately called on the US to reverse its decision and imposed retaliatory tariffs.
US President Donald Trump did not like this step. Therefore, the American leader raised tariffs against China several more times. As of now, they are 145%.
China continued to retaliate. The Chinese National Film Administration also announced that imports of Hollywood films would be reduced.
