Europe Asia News

U.S. President Donald J. Trump criticized China’s plan to impose export restrictions on certain products and rare elements. In a lengthy statement on his Truth Social account, Trump said that this step “would clog the global market and put countries in a difficult position.”

He accused China of seeking to create a monopoly in global trade, saying, “China has been waiting for a long time, and now it’s acting. We cannot allow them to hold the world hostage.”

Trump emphasized that the U.S. has strong economic tools but has not felt the need to use them until now. However, he noted that “current developments will force us to respond financially.”

He described China’s action as “a hostile and irritating move,” adding that the U.S. is considering imposing high tariffs on Chinese goods and other economic sanctions.

Trump also hinted that China’s announcement “on the day peace was achieved in the Middle East” was no coincidence, adding: “Perhaps, in the end, this could turn out to be something good for America.”