Donald Trump called rare earth metals, fentanyl and soybeans the main problems of the United States in relations with China just before the parties return to the negotiating table.
"I don't want them to play this rare earth metals game with us," Trump said.
A few days earlier, the American leader threatened to impose 100 percent duties on Chinese supplies after Beijing promised to establish broad control over these minerals.
Trump also said that the United States wants China to "stop using fentanyl," hinting that Beijing failed to restrict exports of the drug and its precursors, which contributed to the American opioid crisis.
Another key requirement was the resumption of soybean purchases in the world's second largest economy.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States and China will hold talks in Malaysia later this week.
When Trump was asked in an interview with Fox News on Sunday about his latest threat to raise tariffs on Chinese goods, he said the tariffs were "unsustainable," although they "may remain."
He added that he has good relations with the Chinese leader, and looks forward to meeting in South Korea, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting will begin later this month. "I think we'll be fine with China, but we need to make a fair deal. She has to be honest," Trump said.
Soybeans have become a key lever of pressure for China in the trade dispute. Last year, China bought about $12.6 billion worth of oilseeds, but it hasn't bought anything this year.