The US presidential candidate from The Republican Party of Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he would impose additional tariffs on China if it "entered Taiwan", reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
„I will tell them that if they come into Taiwan, I will tax them 150, 200%,”, Trump said during an interview with the publication.
When asked if he would use military force in the event of a Chinese blockade of Taiwan, Trump said that such action would not occur because Chinese President Xi Jinping has respect for him and the two maintain a “strong relationship”.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has never shied away from using force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan strongly objects to China's claims.
Trump plans tariffs of 10 percent to 20 percent on nearly all U.S. imports, as well as additional tariffs of 60 percent or more on goods from China, which he says will boost U.S. manufacturing.
During his tenure as president from early 2017 to early 2021, Trump's aggressive approach to China was highlighted by waves of tariffs that plunged the two countries into a trade war that has rattled markets around the world .
In the interview with “Wall Street Journal“ Trump also spoke about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, repeating his claim that if he were still in office, Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have launched the invasion.
„I said to Putin: „Vladimir, we have a great relationship. Vladimir, if you go against Ukraine, I will hit you so hard you won't even believe it. I'll hit you right in the middle of Moscow," Trump said, telling the publication about his past conversation with Putin.