U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday after Beijing expanded export controls on critical rare earth elements, warning of economic retaliation and suggesting he may cancel a planned meeting with Xi later this month.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused China of becoming “very hostile,” saying Beijing’s sweeping new restrictions could disrupt global markets. He warned that if China continues with what he called a “hostile order,” the U.S. would “financially counter their move.”
China’s latest measures, announced Thursday, expand controls on the export of rare earths and related technologies used in semiconductors and defense applications — a move seen by Washington as a major escalation in ongoing trade tensions. The restrictions come just weeks before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, where Trump and Xi were expected to meet.
According to U.S. officials, Beijing’s decision is viewed as an attempt to gain leverage in trade discussions. Trump’s remarks also hinted at frustration that China’s announcement coincided with his efforts to broker peace in the Middle East. The White House has not confirmed whether the Xi-Trump meeting is officially canceled.
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