Trump Urges China to Initiate Trade Talks Amid 145% Tariffs and Fentanyl Concerns

President Donald Trump has indicated that the responsibility for initiating trade negotiations lies with China, according to a statement from the White House. The statement, read by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that 'the ball is in China's court' and that China needs to make a deal with the U.S., as the U.S. does not have to make a deal with them. This comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over tariffs. Trump has expressed openness to negotiating a trade deal with China, but stressed that it is up to China to take the first step. The U.S. has imposed a total of 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 125% rate and an additional 20% due to concerns over the flow of fentanyl from China. Exceptions have been made for some technological products like smartphones and laptops. The statement highlighted that there is no difference between China and any other country, except for its larger size, and that China wants what all countries desire: access to the American consumer.