U.S. President-elect Trump said on Monday that he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping would probably get along well and that they were already communicating.
“Their economy is not doing well right now and they probably need us very much,” Trump said. in interview Asked whether he could deal with China's Xi Jinping, he told conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt, “He's the only one who's even remotely close to the United States.”
Trump went on to describe Xi Jinping as a strong and powerful man, whom he said is respected in China.
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“I think we'll probably get along very well, I predict,” he said. “But you know, it has to be a two-way street.”
Trump reiterated his previous accusation that China has been “blackmailing” the United States economically.
“China steals a trillion dollars a year from the United States…a trillion dollars, a trillion dollars,” Trump said.
He added that he had established a strong and friendly relationship with Xi Jinping during his first term until the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
When Hewitt noted that the two leaders could have an “interesting first meeting,” Trump responded: “We've been talking. We've been talking through their representatives.
Trump's comments come as Chinese policymakers and investors are highly concerned about the possible impact of his promised tariffs.
The incoming U.S. president promised to maintain a strict stance on China during his campaign, including imposing tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports.
These commitments have brought huge volatility to the Chinese stock market, and pushed the yuan to 16-month lows.
Experts say Beijing Scope will be limited Consider that China’s economy is teetering on the brink of deflation and dealing with a $16 trillion debt crisis in response to the impact of Trump’s tariffs.
Beijing responds
At the same time, in response to Trump's remarks, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Beijing “pays great attention” to Trump's remarks.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China is willing to promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of Sino-US economic and trade relations, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
Guo did not confirm whether any communication took place through the leader's assistant, but said that China and the United States maintain communication through various methods.
Trump invites Xi Jinping and other foreign leaders will attend his inauguration in Washington later this month, but experts say the Chinese leader is unlikely to attend.
Trump has appointed numerous China hawks to key positions in the incoming administration, including Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state.
He also pledged to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing does more to stop trafficking in the highly addictive narcotic fentanyl, which has killed tens of thousands in the United States.
- Reuters, with additional editing and input by Vishakha Saxena
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