US President Donald Trump has reiterated his openness to reaching an agreement with China, according to a statement quoted by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
"The ball is in China's court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don't have to make a deal with them," Leavitt said.
During a press briefing, Levitt remarked, "There's no difference between China and any other country except they are much larger, and China wants what we have, what every country wants, what we have – the American consumer – or to put another way, they need our money."
Donald Trump: I'm waiting for a call from China
On April 9, following China's countermeasures, Trump decided to escalate tariffs further, increasing them from 104% to 125% on Chinese goods, effective immediately.
After the announcement, Trump told reporters at the White House that he believes the US would receive a call from China at some point and that both sides would eventually reach a "very good agreement."
He reiterated his willingness to meet and communicate with Chinese leaders, maintaining an open attitude toward dialogue.
China: Barbarians should never expect a call from China
China has previously stressed that if the US seeks to resolve issues through dialogue, it must stop its extreme pressure tactics and that any negotiations must be based on equality and mutual respect.
On April 10, when asked whether China would negotiate with the US on tariffs, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce stated, "The door is open for talks; if they want to fight, we will fight to the end."
On April 11, China's State Council Tariff Commission announced an increase in tariffs on all US imports, raising them from 84% to 125%.
The commission noted that at the current tariff level, US exports to China are no longer feasible in the Chinese market. If the US continues to impose additional tariffs on Chinese exports, China will simply ignore them.
US reporter: Why doesn't the President just pick up the phone and call China?
On April 12, a White House reporter repeatedly pressed the press secretary, questioning, "Why doesn't the President just pick up the phone and call China?"
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