Despite confirming a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Donald Trump expressed deep uncertainty about the future of the trade relationship, saying, “I don’t know what’s going to happen. We’ll see what happens.”
This uncertainty was a key part of an interview where he also admitted his tariff policy is “not sustainable.” He blamed China, claiming “they forced me to do that.”
The president’s comments paint a picture of a high-stakes negotiation. He balanced his uncertainty with optimism, saying “I think we’re going to be fine,” and citing his “great” relationship with Xi.
The talks, set for two weeks from now, are urgent. A 90-day truce that has paused duties as high as 145% is set to expire on November 10.
Trump’s goal is a “fair deal.” He continues to defend the “unsustainable” tariffs as necessary leverage, stating the US would be “a nothing” without them.
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