Donald Trump says China ‘not easy’ as trade talks kick off

President Donald Trump has described China as “not easy” to deal with, but touted progress between the two countries as negotiations go into their second day.

“We are doing well with China. China is not easy,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday.

“Now I’m only getting good reports,” he added, referencing the U.S. delegation currently meeting with Chinese officials in London.

“It’s a little early, but they’ll be calling in soon. In fact, probably when I get back, I’ll have my first call from them.”

On Monday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Beijing’s chief trade negotiator Vice Premier He Lifeng. Others in the Chinese delegation include Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and international trade negotiator Li Chenggang.

Lutnick hailed the discussions as “fruitful,” according to Bloomberg, while Bessent told reporters that the two delegations had a “good meeting.”

The talks may continue on Tuesday; China’s Foreign Ministry has said that its delegation will be in the U.K. between June 8 and June 13.

According to White House economist Kevin Hasset, Washington is seeking a “handshake” from Beijing, and the promise that the country will free up the flow of critical minerals to the U.S.

“Our expectation is that after the handshake, immediately after the handshake, any export controls from the US will be eased and the rare earths will be released in volume and then we can go back to negotiating smaller matters,” Hassett told CNBC ahead of the meetings on Monday.

This is a developing story with updates to follow.