US President Donald Trump said he would like to see the Chinese market more open to American companies.
“Open up China, let us come in and work in China. Because frankly, that's what we wanted. We almost got it, but then they backed out of the deal“, he told reporters aboard his plane en route from Washington to Rome.
Trump stressed that the US would like the Chinese market to be more open to sell its goods there. In other words, this is called “opening up China“, the US leader continued. “That would be great. That would be a big win, but they don't want to do it. But because of the tariffs, I might get it", he added.
Trump said yesterday that his administration is negotiating with China to reach a tariff deal. According to him, Chinese President Xi Jinping personally called him. Trump revealed this in an interview with Time magazine, published on Friday, News.bg reported.
He did not specify when the conversation took place, nor what topics the two leaders discussed, only noting: “He called. And I don't think it's a sign of weakness on his part.“
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on Trump's statement. Before the interview was published, it called on Washington to stop “misleading the public“ on the progress of bilateral tariff negotiations.
Trump added that he expects negotiations with China on the tariff issue to be concluded within three to four weeks. Asked if he would consider a situation in which the United States still imposes 50% tariffs after a year a victory, he replied: “A complete victory.“
In addition to trade relations with China, Trump also outlined a broader vision for foreign policy, saying that he plans to conclude a number of other international agreements - from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to the situation in the Middle East with Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Trump said: “Crimea will stay with Russia. And (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky understands that, as does everyone else. This has been the case for a long time, long before Trump.
He expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia would join the so-called Abraham Accords - a series of agreements to normalize relations between Israel and Gulf states, reached during his first term. He also said that the United States could conclude a new agreement with Iran.