‘They Forced Me’: Trump’s China Blame Game Ahead of Summit

As he confirmed a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Donald Trump engaged in a blame game, insisting that his “not sustainable” tariff policy was China’s fault. “They forced me to do that,” he claimed.
This rhetoric sets a confrontational tone for the meeting, which is scheduled for two weeks from now. Trump’s admission that the tariffs are “not sustainable” signals he needs a deal, but his “forced me” comment suggests he will not accept one at any cost.
The president’s outlook is mixed. He touted his “great” relationship with Xi, saying “I think we’re going to be fine.” But he also said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
The talks are urgent, as a 90-day truce that has paused the trade war is set to expire on November 10.
Trump’s goal remains a “fair deal.” He continues to justify the tariffs as necessary, arguing that without them, the US “would be exposed as being a nothing.”