In private discussions hours before China announced new retaliatory tariffs, the Trump administration warned Chinese officials against such a move, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
The Chinese were also told – once again – that Chinese President Xi Jinping should request a call with US President Donald Trump.
Instead, US officials woke up to news of increased Chinese tariffs and no request for a leader level call. Xi also made comments that only dug him in further.
“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 said according to state broadcaster CCTV during his meeting with the Spanish prime minister.
I watched the press conference this morning and whatsherface just repeated “don’t retaliate and you’ll be rewarded” and “you punch us we punch back harder.” Why would anyone want to negotiate with the US unless they had to?
I’m pretty sure thats the only reason anyone ever did. The US used military and economic power to ensure folks negotiated.