Despite China's Denial, Negotiations Confirmed
Warning to Putin Over Lack of Cooperation on Ukraine Ceasefire
"My Stance Will Change Significantly If the Deadline Passes"
U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that he is negotiating with China over trade issues amid the ongoing tariff war. However, immediately after hinting at a possible reduction in tariffs against China, he simultaneously applied pressure and offered inducements by criticizing China for refusing to accept deliveries of Boeing aircraft and for its passive crackdown on fentanyl.
On the 24th (local time), during a summit with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at the White House, President Trump told reporters, "They (U.S. and Chinese officials) had a meeting this morning." This was in response to a question regarding the previous day's statement by President Trump that the U.S. and China were negotiating daily, which China had denied as "groundless."
When asked who attended the meeting, he replied, "It doesn't matter who they are," adding, "We may disclose that later, but they had a meeting this morning, and we have been holding meetings with China as well."
The previous day, President Trump had said he would decide on reducing tariffs against China within the next two to three weeks, stating that negotiations with China were happening "every day." However, as the Chinese Ministry of Commerce refuted this as untrue, questions have been raised about whether actual dialogue is taking place between the U.S. and China. As aggressive tariff policies have recently increased turmoil in financial markets, President Trump has been making conciliatory remarks toward China on a daily basis, urging for talks.
At the same time, President Trump has continued to sharply criticize China. Observers note that his comments toward China fluctuate between hardline and conciliatory positions several times a day, adding to the confusion.
In a post on his own social media platform, Truth Social, he wrote, "China promised to buy from Boeing but has not accepted delivery of beautifully finished aircraft," adding, "This is just a tiny example of what China has been doing to the United States for years."
He also raised the issue of fentanyl distribution control. He stated, "Fentanyl is still originating in China, flowing through Mexico and Canada, and pouring into our country," adding, "It is killing hundreds of thousands of our people. This must stop right now."
In addition, President Trump urged Russia, which has been uncooperative in discussions to end the war in Ukraine, to actively participate in negotiations.
When asked by reporters whether he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin was serious about peace with Ukraine, Trump said, "Both (Ukraine and Russia) want peace, but they need to come to the negotiating table." When asked whether he would impose sanctions if Russia continued its bombing of Ukraine, he replied, "I have my own deadline," adding, "If the deadline passes, we will take a very different stance, but I think there is a high possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement."
Earlier that morning, following Russia's airstrike on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, President Trump posted on his social media, "This happened at a very bad time," and urged restraint by writing, "Vladimir, stop!"
President Trump also responded to a question about the importance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance by stating, "It is certainly very important for Europe," and added, "Without us, NATO would not be as strong."
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