WASHINGTON, Aug 26 — In a moment that mixed diplomacy with quiet threats, former US President Donald Trump made headlines Monday as he hinted that America holds powerful cards in its ongoing economic dance with China — ones that could, in his words, “destroy China,” if played.
Speaking alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during a high-profile meeting in Washington, Trump revealed that he’s planning a visit to China either later this year or shortly after. “We’re going to have a great relationship with China,” Trump said with a characteristic mix of confidence and caution, referencing recent conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Despite the recent thaw in tensions, Trump made it clear the US isn’t afraid to flex its muscles. “They have some cards. We have incredible cards,” he said. “But I don’t want to play those cards. If I played those cards, that would destroy China.”
His comments come after a turbulent year of trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies. Earlier this year, both nations imposed escalating tariffs on each other, with some hitting triple-digit levels, triggering chaos across global supply chains. Importers froze shipments, industries braced for impact, and global markets watched nervously.
Thankfully, things have cooled since April. The two sides reached a temporary truce, slashing tariffs — the US to 30%, and China to 10%. But that peace, while welcome, remains fragile.
Trump didn’t shy away from warning that tariffs could rise again if Beijing fails to fulfill its part of the bargain. He specifically pointed to rare earth magnets — materials critical to everything from smartphones to fighter jets. “They have to give us magnets,” he said. “If they don’t… then we have to charge them a 200 per cent tariff or something.”
Still, Trump softened the message just enough to suggest optimism. “But we’re not going to have a problem, I don’t think, with that,” he added.
China dominates the global production of rare earths — a critical leverage point in global tech, defense, and auto industries. The US has long accused China of dragging its feet on export licenses and agreements.
For now, the two economic powerhouses have agreed to keep higher tariffs on hold for another 90 days — a pause that will stretch to November 10. The next chapter of this uneasy truce is still being written.
