In a bold statement today, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said that China needs a trade agreement with the United States to reduce tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, but emphasized that the U.S. does not require such a deal.
“The ball is in China’s court,” said Leavitt, asserting that Beijing seeks what every country desires—access to the American consumer. “In other words, they need our money,” she added, in comments reported by Beta-AFP.
Leavitt highlighted that President Trump has repeatedly made it clear he’s open to negotiating a new agreement, but reiterated the U.S. holds the upper hand.
“China wants a deal—but it’s China that needs it, not us,” she said.
Currently, both countries have imposed reciprocal tariffs exceeding 125% on each other’s goods, a trade standoff that dates back to Trump’s first term and has continued through shifting geopolitical and economic tensions.
The remarks signal a firm U.S. stance on trade with China amid broader strategic competition in technology, supply chains, and global influence.
