US Softens Stance on China Tariffs While Maintaining Pressure Over Conduct

On 13 October 2025, Eastern Time, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated during an interview with Fox Business that proposed 100% tariffs on Chinese imports were not a foregone conclusion. He described China's actions as provocative and said the US government stands ready to take all necessary measures.

US Media: America Will Not Follow Through on Tariff Threats

Bessent's remarks were seen as an indication of Washington signalling a willingness to de-escalate. His comments followed similar statements on 12 October from President Trump, Vice President Pence, and US Trade Representative Jamison Greer. These were seen as suggesting America would not enforce tariff threats.

On 12 October, US President Trump posted on social media: 'Don't worry about China, everything will be fine! America wants to help, not hurt China.'

The same day, US Vice President Pence stated in media interviews that he had spoken with Trump over the weekend. He said Trump values the friendship with China and that both hope to avoid deploying further leverage against China. He called on China to choose the path of reason.

US Trade Representative Jamison Greer issued a statement expressing confidence that global financial markets would stabilise within the week as tensions eased.

China will not yield, Analysts Say

On 12 October, analysts cited by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post noted that Trump has a history of backing down after making tough statements, earning him the moniker TACO. They said Trump has overestimated his bargaining chips, while China has grown increasingly confident.

The South China Morning Post reported on the 13th that Wu Xinbo, Dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, analysed that China's latest round of trade countermeasures could serve as a positive step towards stabilising Sino-US relations. He said China holds cards ready to play at any moment and possesses the capability to inflict pain on the United States. He stated this round of countermeasures will be highly beneficial and positive for the stability of future Sino-US trade negotiations and overall bilateral relations. He added, 'We now see Trump clearly; we have fully read his hand.'

Wang Yiwei, Professor at Renmin University's School of International Relations, said the recent Sino-US trade friction constitutes a process of promoting peace through confrontation. He observed that China's response resembles countermeasures designed to warn the US against creating further trouble.

Shi Yinhong, also a professor at Renmin University, pointed out that China's strengthened rare earth export controls would likely make Trump realise that forcing China into substantial capitulation is virtually impossible, while suspending purchases of American goods may make Trump even more furious.

Latest Response from the Ministry of Commerce

On 14 October, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce responded to recent US announcements regarding additional tariffs and other restrictive measures against China.

The spokesperson said China has already articulated its position on the US threats to impose 100% tariffs. The spokesperson said export control measures concerning rare earths and related items constitute legitimate actions by the Chinese government to refine its export control system. As a responsible major country, China has always resolutely safeguarded its national security and international common security. China's export controls do not constitute a ban on exports; applications that meet the requirements will continue to be approved. Prior to the introduction of these measures, China had notified the US through the bilateral export control dialogue mechanism.

The spokesperson said the US has long overbroadly invoked national security, abused export controls, and adopted discriminatory practices against China. Since the Madrid Economic and Trade Talks, the US has continuously introduced a series of new restrictive measures against China, damaging Chinese interests and undermining the atmosphere for bilateral economic and trade negotiations. China firmly opposes these actions.

The spokesperson said China's position remains consistent: if the US chooses confrontation, we will see it through to the end; if it chooses dialogue, our door remains open. China and the US share extensive common interests. Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms them both. The past four rounds of economic and trade consultations have fully demonstrated that, based on mutual respect and equal consultation, China and the United States can find solutions to problems. Both sides have maintained communication within the framework of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism, with working-level talks held just yesterday.

The spokesperson said the US cannot simultaneously seek talks while threatening and intimidating with new restrictive measures. This is not the proper way to engage with China.