President Trump says U.S. is in a trade war with China now

Core Viewpoint - President Trump has explicitly stated that the U.S. is currently in a trade war with China, marking a notable shift in his language compared to previous statements during his second term [2][4]. Group 1: Trade War Acknowledgment - The president's acknowledgment of the trade war is seen as a direct response to a question about the duration of current tensions, indicating a recognition of the ongoing economic conflict [5][6]. - This statement is significant as it reflects a more direct admission of the trade war compared to previous comments made during his first term [3][4]. Group 2: Responses from Both Sides - The U.S. Treasury Secretary criticized a lower-level Chinese negotiator, suggesting that this individual was causing disruptions in trade negotiations, which highlights the tensions between the two countries [6][7]. - In response, the Chinese side defended their negotiator, indicating a commitment to their position despite the criticism, showcasing the ongoing complexities in the negotiations [7]. Group 3: Definition of Trade War - A trade war is characterized as an economic conflict where countries impose tariffs, quotas, or other trade barriers to protect domestic industries or retaliate against perceived unfair practices [8]. - The current situation includes restrictions from China on rare earths and U.S. tariffs on semiconductors, illustrating the active measures being taken by both sides [8].