The Sino-U.S. economic and trade negotiations went up again.This time, Trump was the first to speak. Trump said he was willing to consider reducing some tariffs on Chinese goods, but on the premise that ¨C China must promise him three conditions.

Rare earth, fentanyl, soybeansAs soon as these three keywords were thrown out, they immediately caused quite a stir in the global economic circle.

At the time of the key period of the Sino-U.S. negotiations, the Chinese delegation lineup has just been adjusted, and the United States seems to think it's done.

China's bottom line, want to talk about a purchase and sale when it comes to "packaging". but the question comes, is China really passive to pick up? or has it long been a good game, only waiting for the other party to fall?

Are Trump's three conditions really "sincerity"?

This is not the ordinary metal, but the high-tech industry¡¯s ¡°gateway¡±. From missiles to smartphones, it is almost impossible to separate it. Trump called for China¡¯s ¡°co-operation¡± on rare-earth exports, which is on the surface a stable supply chain, and in fact the United States is in a technological war.

China's exports of rare earth magnets fell by 6.1% month-on-month in September this year, a data that made the United States unable to sit still. You know, the United States is extremely dependent on China's rare earths, and Trump's move is intended to alleviate anxiety about the country's strategic resources.

But he obviously forgot that the export of rare earths cannot be controlled by him with just one word. What is behind it is the nerves of global high-end manufacturing.

The second condition is fentanyl. The domestic opioid crisis in the United States has not been solved for many years, but Trump insists that "the problem lies in China." He accused China of failing to effectively curb fentanyl exports and asked China to strengthen control.

But the United States has already imposed tariffs of up to 20% on fentanyl substances from China in the previous years.

It's like breaking a bridge and turning around and blaming the other bank for not wanting to cross the river.

Trump wants China to resume importing soybeans from the United States, which has long been not a grain business, but a political code.

The data stands there: China¡¯s soybeans imports from the United States dropped directly to zero in September, for the first time since November 2018.

It is no exaggeration to say that this is a precise counterattack by China against U.S. trade pressure. Trump's move is ostensibly to solve the problem of support ratings in domestic agricultural states, but in fact he is using agricultural products to gain negotiation space for himself.

It seems that these three conditions each make sense, but when you think about it carefully, which one didn't the United States set the fire itself, and now it wants China to help put it out?

Moreover, the "sincere" negotiations of the United States only unilaterally made a list, but did not actually make concessions. This gesture clearly thought that "you contribute, I benefit".

China responds with precision.

Trump offered three conditions, and China was not polite. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded bluntly at a press conference:

"China's position on handling Sino-US economic and trade issues is consistent and clear. Tariff wars and trade wars are not in the interests of either party. Both sides should negotiate to resolve any issues on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit."

China directly produced data on rare earth issues. China's exports of rare earth magnets in September fell by 6.1% compared with August, ending three consecutive months of growth. Tell the West that rare earth export controls take effect only for national self-defense.

The second is Fentanyl, and China emphasizes:

"Fentanyl is a problem for the United States, not China. The responsibility lies with the United States itself. The United States ignores China's goodwill and insists on imposing additional fentanyl tariffs on China. This has seriously impacted China-US dialogue and cooperation in the field of drug control and seriously damaged China's interests."

Finally, there is the soybean issue. Pressing the pause button on U.S. soybeans is a countermeasure for China to impose additional tariffs on the United States. After all, Trump started the trade war, and it is entirely reasonable for China to say so.

Behind the game, who is anxious and who is laying out

This exchange of "you come to me" conditions essentially exposed the U.S. anxiety about the current situation and also revealed China's strategic rhythm.

Rare earths are no longer just raw materials. They are the "heart" of the global technology industry.

China's monopoly position in the field of rare earths is a hard power that exists in reality. Trump tried to exchange negotiations for "peace of mind and supply" of rare earths, but China has long realized the importance of this card and cannot easily hand over the initiative.

The fentanyl problem has its roots in the United States itself. From the indiscriminate issuance of prescriptions by pharmaceutical companies to the lack of supervision, the proliferation of opioids is a typical case of "internal diseases and external treatment."

Putting responsibility overseas does not solve the problem and is difficult to convince people.

As for soybeans, American farmers are really having a hard time, but China's soybean imports have long been diversified. Countries such as Russia, Brazil and Argentina are filling the market gap left by the United States.

China is not in a hurry to resume imports from the United States. On the contrary, this "no rush" attitude is the biggest bargaining weight.

And why did Trump choose this time to let out the rumor that he was "willing to reduce tariffs"? It is likely that this is due to election considerations. As the 2025 U.S. election approaches, support from agricultural states is crucial to Trump.

Coupled with domestic inflationary pressures and poor manufacturing performance, Trump needs a "diplomatic report card" to boost confidence. Unfortunately, no matter how loud his abacus is, China won't take this set.

On China's side, the adjustment of the negotiating team is equally meaningful. Li Chenggang stepped down as the WTO representative and focused on bilateral negotiations between China and the United States. It was not a "passive response" speculated by the outside world, but an initiative to streamline the lineup and improve efficiency.

This move shows China's upgrading in negotiating strategy, more focused on effectiveness, and better at "anti-symptomatic medication."

This game is not a simple game of people coming and going, but a big chess game that affects the global economic landscape. China's response may seem calm, but it is actually far-reaching.

It not only responded to Trump¡¯s three conditions, but also regained the pace of negotiations in its own hands through three counter-conditions.

conclusion

China's confidence does not come from temporary toughness, but lies in its confidence in its own industrial chain and a deep understanding of international rules.

If the U.S. continues to misjudge the situation and treat negotiations as a tool for unidirectional pressure, it will probably only make the situation more confusing. China has shown in action that negotiations can be talked, but must be equal, respectful talks.

It is best for the United States to understand that the world is no longer the stage in which it counts, and China, nor is it the "adversary" that is set up.

Source of information: Trump said rare earths, fentanyl and soybeans are the main concerns of the United States about China, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded-2025-10-20 15: 34 ¡¤ Governor of Chang'an Street

Trump listed rare earths, fentanyl and soybeans as the three major issues in Sino-US economic and trade negotiations, and China responded-2025-10-20 15: 38 ¡¤ Observer.com