"Neither China nor the U.S. want a recession"…Trump backs off from the tariff war

"The U.S. is trying to help China"

Contains conciliatory and warning messages toward China

Suggests room for negotiation until November 1

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that he does not want a 'tariff war' with China.

On the 12th (local time), President Trump said on social media Truth Social, "The United States is not trying to hurt China but trying to help," adding, "Don't worry about China. Everything will be fine."

He also said, "The highly respected Chairman Xi (Xi Jinping) has only had a short rough moment," and added, "He does not want his country to experience a recession, and neither do I."

Recently, the U.S. and China had reached a lull over the 'tariff war' only to be at risk of reigniting. After China tightened controls on rare earth exports, President Trump retaliated on the 10th by saying he would impose an additional 100% tariff on China starting next month. Since April, the two countries have imposed ultra-high tariffs exceeding 100% while continuing high-level talks, which had reduced the intensity of attacks.

President Trump’s remarks are interpreted as a conciliatory gesture suggesting that, depending on China's stance, the bilateral conflict may not escalate. At the same time, it can also be seen as a warning that if China insists on controlling rare earth exports, the U.S. could take reciprocal measures that might cause the Chinese economy to enter a recession.

While aboard Air Force One (the presidential plane) en route to Israel, President Trump told reporters, "I think we can do well with China," and emphasized, "I have a good relationship with Chairman Xi." He added, "He is a very tough person and a very smart person. A great leader of China."

When asked whether he still plans to impose an additional 100% tariff on China starting November 1, he said, "For now, yes," but added, "Let's see what happens."

He also said, "November 1 feels like a very distant future to me. It may seem imminent to others, but to me November 1 feels far away," suggesting there is room for negotiation before the tariff implementation date he announced.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance also said in a Fox News interview that much of the future direction of the trade conflict depends on how China responds, demanding that China revise its policies.

Soobin Park, Hankyung.com reporter waterbean@hankyung.com