Former President Trump Indicates China Has Initiated Contact for Potential Trade Negotiations

In a recent statement, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Chinese officials have made overtures to reengage in trade discussions. This development suggests a potential thaw in economic relations between the two global powers, though specific terms or timelines remain undisclosed. The news comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and could signal shifting dynamics in international trade frameworks.

Trump may provide a relief in tariffs if China accepts TikTok divestiture

Both capitals have insisted that the other side make the next move. Even so, Trump sounded upbeat about the chances of linking a wider trade deal with a TikTok deal. “Well, we have a deal for TikTok, but it’ll be subject to China, so we’ll just delay the deal till this thing works out,” he said.

He argued that selling TikTok’s U.S. assets to “some of the best companies in the world” would satisfy American security worries and still benefit Beijing. “I think it’s a good deal for China,” he said. “TikTok is good for China. And I think they’d like to see us do a deal, especially the deal that we have pretty much done.”

When asked about whether tariff relief might be offered if China accepts the divestiture plan, the president answered that nothing was off the table. 

“It’s a natural — if we’re making a deal. I guess we’ll spend five minutes to talk about TikTok. It wouldn’t take very long,” he said.

Trump declined to describe any timetable for new talks or for easing duties. He also avoided saying whether he and Xi had spoken directly, stressing instead that any overture from Beijing would reflect Xi’s personal approval. “If you knew him you would know that if they reached out, he knew exactly,” Trump said. “He knew everything about it, he runs it very tight, very strong, very smart.”

With both sides dug in publicly, it remains unclear how soon formal negotiations might resume. But Thursday’s remarks signal the White House could recalibrate its tariff strategy if it believes the two superpowers are ready to bargain on a package that revives trade flows and settles the future of TikTok in the U.S.

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