US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described Chinese President Xi Jinping as “very tough” and “very difficult to reach,” revealing simmering tensions despite the White House raising hopes for a phone call between the two leaders this week.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that Trump was expected to speak with Xi this week to resolve differences over last month’s tariff deal in Geneva, including issues related to the management of critical minerals.
However, Trump’s early morning posts on Truth Social signaled that a quick resolution may be elusive. Leavitt is the third Trump administration official to expect talks soon, but Xi remains elusive. China has previously said the two leaders have not spoken in person in some time.
Meanwhile, a US trade court ruled last week that Trump had exceeded his authority when he imposed tariffs on most imports from China and other countries under emergency powers. But less than 24 hours Later, a federal appeals court suspended the decision and reinstated the tariffs pending consideration of the government's appeal.
