From PBS NewsHour.

President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that he was open to easing trade tensions with China, saying he won’t "play hardball" with the country in negotiations.

"We’re going to be very nice. They’re going to be very nice. And we will see what happens," Trump said. "But, ultimately, they have to make a deal."

The president’s remarks came after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly told investors he believes the trade war with China is unsustainable and hopes tariffs on both sides could be eased.

Earlier this month, Trump raised the tax rate on Chinese imports to 145 percent, sparking Beijing to raise its tariffs on U.S. imports to 125 percent.

Trump said the final tariff rate with China will be "substantially" lower than 145 percent, but it "won’t be zero."

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