US President Donald Trump criticised China on Friday, saying there is “no reason” to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his upcoming trip to South Korea.
His remarks come after China restricted exports of rare earth elements essential to American industry.
Trump suggested that the United States may respond with harsher trade measures. “One of the Policies that we are calculating at this moment is a massive increase of Tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States of America,” he wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
He added that additional measures are being considered, noting, “There are many other countermeasures that are, likewise, under serious consideration.”
The new restrictions, announced on October 9, 2025, expand China's control over 12 rare earth elements, including five newly added to the list, and impose stricter licensing requirements for foreign companies using Chinese materials or technology. These elements are vital for manufacturing semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense technologies.
The new export controls have raised concerns among U.S. officials and industry leaders. Representative John Moolenaar described China's actions as a “slap in the face” to President Trump.
The escalating tensions come amid broader trade disputes between the U.S. and China. Earlier this year, the U.S. imposed additional tariffs on Chinese goods, citing issues such as the fentanyl trade, leading to retaliatory measures from Beijing, including the rare earth export restrictions and a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports.