### China Criticizes US for Severe Trade Truce Violations, Promises Retaliation

China has accused the United States of "severely" breaching a trade truce and announced its intention to take robust measures to safeguard its own interests. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce declared that recent actions by Washington have "seriously undermined" the arrangement reached during Geneva talks last month, during which both nations agreed to lower tariffs on each other's imports.

A ministry spokesperson emphasized that the US has not only disrupted the Geneva agreement but also violated consensus reached during a telephone conversation between China’s leader, Xi Jinping, and US President Donald Trump in January. This statement comes after Trump accused China on Friday of "totally violating its agreement" with Washington, without providing specific details. However, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated that China had failed to remove non-tariff barriers as stipulated under the deal.

During the May meeting in Geneva, the truce saw the US reduce tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China decreased its retaliatory tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10%. Beijing has alleged that US violations include the halting of sales of computer chip design software to Chinese firms, advisories against using chips produced by Huawei, and the cancellation of visas for Chinese students.

The Geneva agreement surprised many analysts, given the wide gap between the US and China on a multitude of trade issues. The face-to-face negotiations had suggested that both sides could reach agreements. However, the escalating rhetoric has underscored the fragile nature of the truce, signaling how difficult it could be to achieve a long-term trade deal.

Notwithstanding the latest accusations, there is still a possibility for constructive dialogue between the two countries. Two senior White House officials speculated on Sunday that Trump and Xi might hold talks soon. Treasury Secretary Bessent mentioned that the details of the trade deal would be "ironed out" once the two leaders converse, though he did not specify when this discussion would occur. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett added that the leaders are expected to talk this week and expressed optimism about the willingness of both sides to engage.

Nonetheless, the Chinese government prefers agreements to be settled at lower levels before they reach the presidential level. Complicating matters further, Trump recently announced that the US would double its tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, a move taking effect on Wednesday. During a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Trump argued that this policy would bolster the local steel industry and enhance national supply, reducing reliance on imports from China.

The friction between Washington and Beijing has raised fears of a potential resurgence of a full-scale trade war between the world’s two largest economies. The situation is fluid, and both sides may engage in discussions this week to find common ground, amidst the backdrop of US tariffs expected to rise and China’s stern warnings of countermeasures.