In a fiery post on Thursday, former President Donald Trump once again took aim at China — this time over its refusal to accept Boeing aircraft, a move he says highlights a long history of China “taking advantage” of the United States.
“Boeing should default China for not taking the beautifully finished planes that they promised to buy,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This is just a small example of what China has done to the USA for years. And by the way, fentanyl is still pouring into our country from China, through Mexico and Canada, killing hundreds of thousands of our people. It better stop — NOW!”
The comments come as Boeing grapples with serious disruptions. CEO Kelly Ortberg revealed to CNBC that China has halted the delivery of new aircraft, mainly because of ongoing tariffs. He added that Boeing’s 737 Max planes, originally bound for China, are now being flown back to the U.S. instead.
The trade war between the two nations continues to simmer. The U.S. has kept a steep 145% tariff on Chinese goods, even as it eased up on tariffs for other countries with a temporary 90-day pause at a 10% rate. Just earlier this month, Trump acknowledged that he raised China’s tariff even higher — adding a fresh 125% increase on top of an existing 20% — admitting it was “very high” but hinting that a shift in approach with Chinese President Xi Jinping might be possible.
Despite Trump’s assertion that talks are happening “every day,” China painted a different picture. On Thursday, China’s Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong dismissed any claims of active negotiations, calling them “groundless” and “like trying to catch the wind.”
The White House has so far stayed silent on China’s denial.
As tensions stretch on, the impasse is sending ripples through major industries and affecting everyday workers — with no clear end in sight.
