Trump Says U.S. to Maintain Good Relationship with China, Despite Having Powerful Leverage

In a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, former US President Donald Trump said the United States intends to maintain a favorable relationship with China. However, he also stated he would not utilize tools that could harm China. He explained that the US possesses significant advantages, but he would not use them. Earlier in the month, Trump signed an executive order modifying reciprocal tariff rates to reflect ongoing discussions with China. This action was taken under the authority of the Constitution and several US laws due to concerns over trade reciprocity and national security. This built upon a previous executive order addressing persistent US trade deficits, which led to the imposition of duties. Subsequent orders raised tariff rates on PRC imports after Beijing responded with retaliatory measures. In May 2025, Trump suspended the additional duties for 90 days, replacing them with a revised rate. That suspension was set to expire on August 12, 2025. The new order extends this suspension until November 10, 2025, reflecting China’s progress in addressing trade and security concerns. The order specifies which tariff provisions will remain suspended. The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with other officials, have been directed to implement the order. Trump emphasized that the order is to be implemented in accordance with applicable laws and does not create any enforceable legal rights against the US.