An unprecedented trade war is brewing between the world's two economic superpowers, the United States and China, with both sides expecting the other to give in first.
Two senior White House officials told CNN that the United States will not go first to China after the reciprocal tariff hikes. Trump has told his team that China should take the first step, as the White House believes Beijing has chosen to retaliate and escalate the trade war.
That position has been conveyed to Beijing for about two months, with Trump's team telling Chinese officials that President Xi Jinping should request a phone call with Trump. However, Beijing has repeatedly rejected the offer to organize a leadership-level call.
Recall that Trump raised tariffs on China, announcing that all Chinese goods entering the United States will now be subject to an additional 145% tariff. In response, Beijing struck a blow to the US strategic sector by restricting the export of American films after having already raised its tariffs on the US to 84%.
