Trump says he likes China’s Xi ‘very much’

U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned Thursday that he has “at all times had an ideal relationship” with Chinese language President Xi Jinping and that he appears ahead to “getting together with China.”

The U.S. and China will “have an excellent relationship,” the president mentioned in a digital interview on the World Financial Discussion board, in line with the White Home readout.

“All we would like is equity. We simply desire a degree taking part in discipline,” Trump mentioned. “However I like President Xi very a lot. I’ve at all times preferred him.”

The newly minted president said earlier this week that he could increase duties on Chinese goods by 10% as quickly as Feb. 1. The White Home on Monday additionally introduced plans to investigate China over actions dangerous to U.S. commerce.

Throughout his marketing campaign path, Trump had floated imposing tariffs upward of 60% on Chinese language items.

Trump additionally mentioned he hoped to work with China to place an finish to the Russia-Ukraine struggle. “Hopefully, China may help us cease the struggle with, specifically, Russia-Ukraine. They usually have a substantial amount of energy over that scenario, and we’ll work with them.”

China has additionally emphasized its willingness to negotiate with Washington. The Ministry of Commerce mentioned it had at all times maintained communication with “related” U.S. authorities on financial system and commerce.

“China is prepared to work with the U.S. to push bilateral financial and commerce relations in a secure, wholesome and sustainable course,” ministry spokesperson He Yadong mentioned Thursday, noting that was on the idea of “mutual respect, peaceable coexistence and win-win cooperation.”

Trump mentioned final week that he spoke with Chinese language President Xi over the cellphone about TikTok and trade. The Chinese language facet’s readout didn’t point out the social media app, however mentioned Xi referred to as for cooperation and solid the 2 international locations’ financial ties as mutually helpful.