Trump Says Xi Hard to Deal With as China Trade Talks Hit Roadblock

President Donald Trump is pulling no punches on China as trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing have stalled once again and he's making it clear that President Xi Jinping is the biggest roadblock.

“I like President Xi of China, always have, and always will,” Trump wrote early Wednesday on Truth Social. “But he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!”

The sharp tone comes as China continues to violate the terms of a 90-day trade agreement meant to pause tariffs and stabilize trade flows. While Trump’s top officials have met with Chinese negotiators, Xi has so far refused to sit down with Trump himself and time is running out.

Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports earlier this year, a bold move aimed at countering China’s chronic trade abuses and protecting America’s economic future. But so far, Beijing hasn’t held up its end of the bargain.

Here’s where things stand:

• China has failed to resume key exports of rare earth minerals, despite promising to do so under the truce.

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admits talks are “a bit stalled.”

• U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed China is actively slowing and restricting shipments of critical minerals used in manufacturing and defense.

“China continues to slow down and choke off things like critical minerals and rare Earth magnets,” Greer said bluntly.

Adding insult to injury, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused the U.S. of “infringing upon China’s legitimate rights,” after newly appointed U.S. Ambassador David Perdue reiterated America’s concerns over trade, fentanyl exports, and illegal immigration.

This isn’t just a trade spat it’s a test of global leadership. And so far, China’s delay tactics and double-dealing are proving exactly why Trump was right to get tough.

Just last week, Trump criticized Beijing for “TOTALLY VIOLATING” its agreement with the U.S., noting that China had immediately resumed business as usual once tariffs were paused. “So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!” he added.

Even as Treasury Secretary Bessent said he’s “confident” the deal will get sorted out, he couldn’t ignore the obvious: China is playing games, again.

“Maybe it’s a glitch in the Chinese system, maybe it’s intentional,” Bessent admitted. “We’ll see after the president speaks with the party chairman.”

Trump doesn’t back down from tough negotiations he thrives in them. But what we’re seeing now is the result of decades of weak U.S. leadership that emboldened the Chinese Communist Party to manipulate global markets, undercut American workers, and weaponize trade relationships.

The tariffs were a warning shot. And now, Trump’s patience is running out.

If the CCP thinks it can outlast Trump or bluff its way out of real reform, it’s making a fatal miscalculation. This president isn’t afraid to walk away, escalate tariffs, or expose China's economic gamesmanship because he knows the stakes are far higher than just trade.

It’s about sovereignty, supply chains, and national security.

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