Uncertainty Over Trump's Direct Talks with China’s Xi

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has defended the approach that President Donald Trump takes when negotiating trade agreements. However, Bessent expressed uncertainty regarding whether Trump has had direct conversations with China’s leader, President Xi Jinping.

"I'm not certain if there's been direct communication between President Trump and President Xi," Bessent mentioned during a segment of ABC News' "This Week," with Martha Raddatz hosting. "What I do know is that there's a strong rapport and mutual respect between them. Still, it’s likely that the Chinese will find maintaining high tariffs increasingly difficult."

Path to a Trade Agreement

Bessent highlighted that reaching a comprehensive trade agreement could potentially take several months. Nonetheless, he pointed out that adhering to agreed-upon principles and ensuring favorable dealings by the countries involved might prevent the tariffs from escalating further.

"While a complete trade deal might require months of negotiation, a basic agreement and positive actions by our international partners could inhibit the need to reinstate maximum tariffs," Bessent explained.