President Trump complained Wednesday that it’s “extremely hard” to make a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the U.S. and China exchange complaints over trade and contemplate a call between the powerful leaders.

Mr. Trump, posting on Truth Social, praised his counterpart before pointing to his hardball tactics.

“I like President Xi of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!” Mr. Trump posted.

The White House recently said it was “likely” that Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi would speak by phone this week to discuss trade tensions.

The countries in May reached an agreement in Geneva, Switzerland, to slash sky-high tariffs and de-escalate their trade war.

China says the U.S. undercut the truce with a warning about Chinese-made Huawei semiconductors and the revocation of student visas. 

The U.S. says China is violating the deal by keeping firm export controls on rare earth minerals.

The volley of complaints and Mr. Trump’s gripe about Mr. Xi’s tactics signaled broader trade talks were stalled and the countries’ leaders would have to break the logjam.

Despite tensions, there have been signs of dialogue between the nations.

David Perdue, the newly sworn U.S. ambassador to China, said Tuesday that he met with his Chinese counterpart and emphasized “President Trump’s priorities on trade, fentanyl, and illegal immigration.”

“Communication is vital to the [American-Chinese] relationship,” Mr. Perdue posted on X.

Officials in Beijing have balked at unilateral tariffs from the U.S. side and say they are open to resolving trade disputes through dialogue.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said it was “regrettable that the United States has since introduced a series of negative measures for groundless reasons, infringing upon China’s legitimate rights and interests,” according to a readout of his meeting with Mr. Perdue.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.