Trade tensions between the United States and China have intensified following a period of tentative de-escalation. The latest developments include China’s announcement of new controls on rare earth metals and related products.
U.S. President Trump stated he had been blindsided by these controls, occurring after what he had recently characterized as a “very good” relationship. In response, Chinese commentators asserted that Beijing’s measures were a reaction to Washington’s increased technological restrictions on China, framing the U.S. as the provocateur despite its expressed goodwill.
Both sides reportedly held the belief that they possessed an advantage in the dispute. The situation further escalated with President Trump’s subsequent announcement of new 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports, effective November 1. This new tariff measure was met with criticism from Chinese analysts and commentators, though the Chinese government offered no immediate official reaction.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/world/asia/china-trump-tariff-threat.html