Donald Trump ‘open to deal’ with China, but warns retaliation not good for Beijing, says White House

US President Donald Trump remains optimistic about the possibility of a trade agreement with China, even as tensions between the world’s two largest economies continue to mount, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Friday.

"The president has made it very clear he's open to a deal with China," Leavitt told reporters at a White House press briefing. “If China continues to retaliate, it’s not good for China,” she added, referencing recent tit-for-tat tariff measures.

White House: US attracting global trade deals

Speaking to reporters, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The United States of America is the strongest, best economy in the world, as evidenced by the more than 75 countries who have called the administration immediately to cut good deals.”

She added that President Trump is committed to “fair trade practices around the globe” and intends to act in the best interest of the American people.

Talks underway with unnamed country

While declining to provide details on ongoing negotiations, Leavitt confirmed that “very good progress” has been made with an undisclosed country regarding the new global tariffs recently imposed by the administration. She noted that the national security team is engaged in preliminary discussions and that updates would be shared when appropriate.

Silence on China talks

Pressed on whether the US was waiting for China to make the first move, Leavitt refused to comment on any potential communications with Beijing, citing the sensitive nature of diplomatic channels.

Tariff war deepens with China

The ongoing trade standoff between the US and China intensified on Friday after President Trump raised duties to 145% tariff on a broad range of Chinese goods. In retaliation, China raised duties to 125% on American imports but indicated it might avoid further escalation.

The tariff exchanges have rattled global markets. Last week, Trump’s initial announcement of universal tariffs triggered a massive sell-off, followed by a brief rally when the administration paused some duties on allied nations.