Trump is furious about China's actions

The American leader admitted his sympathy for Xi, but did not forget to express new claims:

I like President Xi of China, always have and always will, but he is very tough and extremely difficult to make deals with!

Donald Trump

President of the United States

It is likely that the new high-profile statement could have been a reaction to recent personal contact with Xi.

It came after accusations from the United States that China is not complying with its obligation to approve licenses for the export of rare earth metals, leading to a shortage that threatens to halt part of American industry.

After that, official Beijing accused the White House of "serious violation" of the trade truce reached by both sides in Switzerland.

Trump and his administration insist that a conversation between the US and Chinese presidents is necessary to resolve the trade conflict, but Beijing has not yet given any signals that it has agreed to such a conversation.