President Donald Trump said on Aug. 25 that he "could destroy China" if he "played [his] cards," but added that he had no intention of doing so. The remark, circulated shortly after he spoke, offered no detail on what measures he might deploy against the world’s second-largest economy. Trump’s comment comes against a backdrop of escalating economic friction. Washington’s 145% tariff on Chinese imports took effect in April, and the administration is weighing additional restrictions on technology exports and rare-earth supply chains. Beijing has warned that it will retaliate if further punitive steps are adopted. Neither side has issued an official response to the latest statement, but the president’s language underscores the volatility of U.S.–China relations as both governments seek leverage in trade, security and geopolitical negotiations.