Despite hiking tariffs on China to 125%, President Trump calls Xi Jinping “smart” and hints at possible negotiations, while tensions mount and global markets brace for impact.
April 10, 2025: “Very Smart Man”: Trump Praises Xi Jinping Even As US-China Trade War Escalates
Washington, April 10, 2025 — In a move that surprised many, US President Donald Trump offered rare praise for Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him “a very smart man who knows exactly what needs to be done,” even as the US-China trade war continues to intensify.
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“I think he’s going to want to make a deal. We’ll get a phone call at some point, and everything will be ready,” Trump said during a White House press interaction.
🌀 Tariff Tempest: 125% On China
Just hours earlier, Trump had announced a 125% tariff on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of showing “a lack of respect” to global markets. This came after China imposed its own 84% retaliatory tariffs and filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization, labeling the US move as “economic bullying.”
🔄 A Pause for Others, Pressure on Beijing
In contrast, Trump announced a 90-day tariff pause for 75 other countries that chose not to retaliate. “These countries listened. China didn’t,” he noted.
🧠 Trump used his signature language to describe the market reaction, saying,
“People were getting a little yippy,” referring to nervous investor behavior and bond market jitters that prompted internal discussions within the US Treasury.
📈 Markets Rebound Amid Uncertainty
Global stock markets rallied sharply following the announcement, with the S&P 500 posting one of its best days since 2008. Despite this bounce, analysts remain wary of whether this is a short-term tactical maneuver or a shift in Trump’s trade playbook.
🔍 What Comes Next?
The world now waits for Beijing’s next move — will Xi escalate further or move toward reconciliation? Trump’s unusual mix of flattery and force may be strategic or improvised, but it has definitely kept global markets and diplomats on edge.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Washington and Beijing, as the trade chessboard resets once again.
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Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, US-China trade war, Trump tariffs 2025, global markets, WTO, China retaliation, trade negotiations, economic diplomacy, Trump Xi relations, White House, tariff pause, global economy