President Donald Trump speaks to the media while signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Sept. 5, 2025. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump’s recent remarks targeting China and its allies mark a noticeable shift in tone. After months of avoiding direct criticism of Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, Trump is no longer mincing his words.
The change has raised questions about whether Trump is signaling a new approach to managing America’s top rival.
