Originally published by The Epoch Times: Trump Claims China ‘Completely Breached’ Tariff Agreement
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has pointed out that, post-Geneva agreement, China was expected to ease restrictions on the export of critical minerals—a promise that remains unfulfilled.
On May 30, former President Donald Trump boldly asserted that China has “totally violated” its commitments to the United States, following a temporary halt to escalating tariffs earlier in the month.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the tariffs he had imposed—amounting to a staggering 145 percent—rendered trade with China “virtually impossible.” He highlighted his decision to propose a deal to China, seemingly out of concern for the country’s internal strife.
“Just two weeks ago, China was teetering on the brink of economic disaster!” he proclaimed. “Factories were shutting down, and let’s just say there was significant ‘civil unrest.’ I felt compelled to step in—not for our sake, but for theirs. I brokered a QUICK DEAL to avert what I feared would be a calamitous outcome.”
On May 12, the U.S. and China had reached an agreement to substantially reduce tariffs that had been in place since April 2 for a period of 90 days, prompting a market **rally**.
“Thanks to this agreement, everything stabilized rapidly, and business resumed as usual in China. Everyone was pleased! That’s the silver lining!!! The unfortunate news? China, quite predictably, HAS COMPLETELY DISREGARDED ITS COMMITMENT TO US. So much for my nice-guy approach!” Trump lamented.
During a press conference in the Oval Office on May 30, Trump reiterated that the Chinese government had breached “a significant portion” of the agreement and indicated that he intends to continue discussions with Xi Jinping.
“I extended an olive branch to them because they were grappling with a significant reduction in business activity,” Trump stated.
“I’m confident I will communicate with President Xi and hopefully we can resolve this. It’s a clear violation of our agreement.”
U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, speaking on CNBC on May 30, expressed serious concerns about China’s adherence to the terms of the recent agreement.
“The United States has done exactly what it was obligated to do, while China is dragging its feet on compliance, which is entirely unacceptable,” Greer remarked. “Repeatedly, we observe that the Chinese struggle to honor their commitments, delaying compliance and failing to open their economy as they should.”
Greer pointed out that China was the only nation that retaliated against U.S. tariffs when they were first imposed, limiting the export of rare earth magnets and blacklisting U.S. companies. Post-Geneva, the removal of these countermeasures has been sluggish at best.
“We are yet to see the flow of critical minerals from China as was anticipated,” he noted.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller informed reporters on May 30 that the U.S. may take action in response to these violations.
Miller stated that the U.S. adjusted tariff rates immediately following the Geneva agreement, but “China did not meet the obligations it committed to with the United States.”
“This opens the door for a variety of actions by the United States to ensure future compliance,” Miller added.
He expressed hope that China would eventually open its markets to American businesses in the same manner that the U.S. has remained open to Chinese enterprises for an extended period.
However, just a week after the “truce,” China imposed anti-dumping tariffs on plastics from the U.S., EU, Japan, and Taiwan, with the U.S. facing the steepest duties at 74.9 percent.
Experts have cautioned that Beijing is unlikely to adhere to the trade agreements in place, citing the Chinese Communist Party’s historical tendency to flout deals made during Trump’s first term. The regime has also failed to halt the export of illicit fentanyl precursors, blaming the U.S. for crossing a line by addressing human rights issues and recognizing Taiwan.
In public remarks to international media, representatives of the Chinese regime assert adherence to international trade laws regarding the recent tariffs. Officials within the Communist Party have gone so far as to declare their willingness to confront the United States, even if it results in extreme economic hardship, echoing rhetoric reminiscent of Mao Zedong’s era.
The legality of Trump’s tariffs is currently under judicial scrutiny. On May 28, the U.S. Court of International Trade invalidated several tariffs, ruling that the president lacked the authority to invoke an emergency powers provision as he had. The Trump administration has since appealed this decision, and a federal appeals court reinstated the tariffs a day later while it reviews the matter. Administration officials and trade experts note that the president has alternative avenues to impose tariffs should the current ones be deemed invalid.
This 90-day pause aims to facilitate further negotiations; however, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated on May 29 during an appearance on Fox News that trade discussions between the U.S. and China are “somewhat stalled.”
“I believe there may be a forthcoming call between the president and the Chinese leadership,” he remarked. “Given the significance of these discussions and their complexity, both leaders must engage directly.”
“I am confident that the Chinese will return to the negotiating table when President Trump makes his priorities clear.”
If you found this article interesting, please consider supporting traditional journalism
Our inaugural edition was launched 25 years ago from a modest basement in Atlanta. Today, The Epoch Times delivers fact-based, award-winning journalism to millions of Americans.
Our journalists have faced threats, arrests, and assaults, yet our commitment to independent journalism remains resolute. This year marks our 25th anniversary of reporting free from corporate and political influence.
That’s why we invite you to take advantage of a limited-time introductory offer — just $1 per week — allowing you to join millions who are already celebrating independent news.
