Former United States President Donald Trump has commended what he described as “significant progress” in the ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and China, noting that improved bilateral economic cooperation is vital for global stability and economic growth.
Speaking during a political gathering in Florida on Friday, Trump said the renewed dialogue between the two world powers signals a potential shift toward more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relations — a goal he claims his administration had consistently pursued.
“I’m glad to see that the current talks are moving in the right direction,” Trump said. “When I was in office, we took tough, necessary steps to reset the terms of trade with China. It wasn’t easy, but it was essential for protecting American jobs and industry. Any progress now is built on the strong foundation we laid.”
The former president, known for his assertive trade policies and imposition of tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods during his tenure, said that while he still believes in a tough stance on Beijing, constructive dialogue remains critical to avoid further economic tensions.
Trump also took the opportunity to criticize what he called the Biden administration’s “soft” approach in the early stages of its China policy, alleging that it had risked reversing some of the hard-won gains made during his presidency.
The ongoing trade talks between Washington and Beijing, according to White House sources, are focused on addressing key issues such as intellectual property protection, market access, technology transfer, and the long-standing trade imbalance.
U.S. trade officials have confirmed that both countries have re-engaged through formal and informal diplomatic channels, with the goal of crafting a more stable framework for future economic cooperation. Observers believe the outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the global supply chain, especially in sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.
Trump’s comments are seen by many as part of his broader effort to reassert his influence on U.S. trade and foreign policy debates, particularly as he positions himself for a potential return to the political stage ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
As the talks continue, both U.S. and Chinese officials have expressed cautious optimism, noting that while disagreements persist, the tone of engagement has improved compared to the trade war era marked by retaliatory tariffs and strained diplomatic ties.
