Trump knocks China for refusing to accept Boeing jets amid trade war

President Trump on Thursday knocked China for refusing to accept Boeing aircraft amid the ongoing trade war with the United States, calling the rejection another example of China taking advantage of the U.S.

“Boeing should default China for not taking the beautifully finished planes that China committed to purchase. This is just a small example of what China has done to the USA, for years… And, by the way, Fentanyl continues to pour into our Country from China, through Mexico and Canada, killing hundreds of thousands of our people, and it better stop, NOW!” Trump said on Truth Social.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told CNBC on Wednesday that China stopped taking delivery of aircraft because of the tariffs, adding that some 737 Max planes that were heading to China are being flown back to the U.S.

The U.S. has maintained a 145 percent tariff on China while implementing a 90-day pause on “reciprocal” tariffs on other trading partners, setting a 10 percent rate.

Trump this week acknowledged the additional 125 percent tariff he slapped on China earlier this month — paired with the existing 20 percent one — was “very high,” and he signaled a shift in tone about striking and deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump also said his administration has been in direct talks with China on trade “every day.”

China said Wednesday it is not actively engaged in the negotiating process over tariffs with the U.S., contradicting Trump’s comments.

Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said Thursday that any “claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis.”

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on China denying talks are taking place.