US Representative Ami Bera has cautioned against President Donald Trump’s escalating trade threats toward China, urging a return to diplomacy instead of economic confrontation. In an exclusive interview with IANS, the Indian-American Democrat from California warned that additional tariffs would ultimately “hurt the American consumer.”

“I think trade war, tariff wars — this is not a good idea. It’s certainly going to hurt the American consumer,” Bera said, noting that global trade stability, including with India, was part of recent discussions during his visit to New Delhi.

Bera advised that it would be “good for the President to meet with Xi Jinping,” emphasizing that diplomacy could help avoid both an economic and a potential kinetic conflict. “Conflict and competition are fine, but we don’t want to get into a tit-for-tat type of situation. I don’t think it benefits anyone,” he said.

His comments followed Trump’s social media announcement of imposing 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, along with export restrictions on “critical software.” The President also hinted at canceling his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, accusing Beijing of “hostile” trade behavior after it expanded export controls on rare earth materials.

Beijing recently tightened its export rules on rare earth elements and imposed new fees on US vessels, moves that Trump labeled “extraordinarily aggressive.” Speaking at the White House, he warned that Washington could target airplane part exports in response.

Both nations have been engaged in tense negotiations since April, with a temporary truce expiring on November 10. Trump and Xi were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea later this month.