Trump praises Xi Jinping as ‘world’s smartest’ while imposing 125% tariff, says there's potential for ‘a very good deal’

Amid a dramatic tariff standoff, Donald Trump struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone, lauding Chinese President Xi Jinping and predicting a "very good deal" with Beijing. Despite raising tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 125%, Trump suggested talks could resume soon. But Beijing, facing mounting pressure and nationalist sentiment, shows no sign of blinking. Behind the warm words lie cold calculations, global economic risks, and the looming shadow of a long, grinding trade war with consequences for households worldwide.