United States President Donald Trump sharply criticized China following its decision to halt deliveries of Boeing jets, linking the move to escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The announcement came as Beijing ordered domestic airlines to stop purchasing US-made aviation equipment and components, a move Trump described as retaliatory amid the ongoing tariff standoff.

Trump highlighted that this decision fits a broader pattern of China targeting key American sectors during trade disputes. “Interestingly, they just reneged on the big Boeing deal, saying that they will ‘not take possession’ of fully committed to aircraft,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He further asserted that China’s actions demonstrated a lack of respect for the policies of former President Joe Biden’s administration and praised his own administration’s firm stance on trade.

The tension follows Washington's recent imposition of tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, further deepening a trade conflict that has seen both sides exchange retaliatory measures affecting technology, agriculture, and now aviation.

Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang addressed the nation’s foreign trade companies on Tuesday, urging them to “diversify markets” in light of the increasingly volatile international environment. “Currently, external situations have drastically changed,” Li said, as reported by Chinese state media. He emphasized that China will “calmly deal with difficulties and challenges from external shocks.”

In addition to trade diversification, Premier Li announced that Beijing plans to boost domestic consumption and expand internal demand to support the economy. He also noted the significant potential for growth in China’s real estate market, signaling a pivot toward strengthening domestic economic drivers amid rising international pressure.

The developments highlight an intensifying rift in US-China relations, with economic strategies diverging sharply. While Washington emphasizes protectionism and retaliatory tariffs under Trump’s leadership, Beijing appears focused on resilience through internal market expansion and trade realignment.