Trump escalates Boeing dispute as China imposes aircraft ban
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, has once again criticised China publicly. He claimed that China's actions have led to issues for Boeing. "By the way, Fentanyl continues to pour into our Country from China, through Mexico and Canada, killing hundreds of thousands of our people, and it better stop, NOW!" he wrote.
China has responded to Trump's trade war by dealing a significant blow to Boeing: it has banned Chinese airlines from purchasing American aircraft.
Trump: It must stop immediately
Chinese airlines must also cancel existing contracts unless American planes can be delivered before the mutual tariffs become effective.
"Boeing should default China for not taking the beautifully finished planes that China committed to purchase. This is just a small example of what China has done to the USA, for years… And, by the way, Fentanyl continues to pour into our Country from China, through Mexico and Canada, killing hundreds of thousands of our people, and it better stop, NOW!" wrote U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday.
Trump's trade war: China denies reports
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun denied recent media reports during a press conference, stating that China and the United States were not negotiating tariffs nor close to reaching an agreement on the issue.
"China and the USA are not conducting any consultations or negotiations on tariffs, and they are not close to reaching an agreement," he stated.
He also mentioned that the "trade war instigated by the United States" continues, with Beijing's stance remaining "clear and unchanged." "We will fight if necessary. If the USA wishes to have discussions, the door is open – but dialogue must be based on equality, mutual respect, and benefits for both sides," he emphasised.
On Wednesday, the "Wall Street Journal" reported that the U.S. administration is considering a substantial reduction in tariffs on goods imported from China as part of efforts to ease trade tensions. According to the newspaper's sources, tariff rates could decrease from 145% to between 50% and 65%.
On the same day, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed hope for a "grand agreement" with China, which would lead to China's economy focusing more on internal consumption, while the U.S. would aim to increase its industrial involvement.
