Trump-Xi tariff talks postponed as tensions escalate

The anticipated conversation between President Donald Trump and the Chairman of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, will not take place on Tuesday, reported the "Wall Street Journal," citing a representative from the U.S. administration, who did not provide a reason for the cancellation. It is unclear whether the call has been rescheduled.

The conversation was previously announced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Trump's trade advisor, Peter Navarro. Navarro, when asked about the consequences of the recently introduced 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, stated that everything will be revealed after the leaders’ conversation. He responded similarly when questioned about whether the tariffs would be suspended for a month, as was done with Canada and Mexico. He emphasized that the tariffs aim to stop the influx of fentanyl, for which China is a major source.

The additional 10% tariffs on all goods from China, announced by Trump on Saturday, came into effect at midnight from Monday to Tuesday. On Tuesday, Beijing announced its retaliation by declaring a 15% tariff on coal and LNG, along with 10% tariffs on American crude oil, agricultural machinery, and vehicles with large engine capacities.

Separately, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs issued a statement concerning the control of exports of tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, molybdenum, and products related to ruthenium to protect its "national security interests."

Additionally, the Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced on Tuesday that it will launch an investigation into the American technology giant Google over possible violations of antitrust regulations by the company.