Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he would not lift tariffs on China "unless they give us something substantial," expressing his desire for China to become more open to American trade.
اضافة اعلان
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Rome, Trump stated, "I won't lift them [the tariffs] unless they give us something substantial—you know—and otherwise, I won't lift them. Everything will work out; these things always work out," as he put it.
When asked what could be considered a "substantial" concession, Trump told reporters: "Well, the opening of China."
He explained: "You know, let’s go and do business in China; because, frankly, that's what we wanted last time, and we almost got it. Then they backed out of that deal. But we had it—going to China and selling our products and goods. In other words, it's called 'the opening of China,' and it would be great, a major win," he said.
During his first term, Trump signed a preliminary trade deal with China, which included a commitment by Beijing to double its purchases from American farmers within the first year.
However, China ultimately failed to meet those targets, and the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted global trade just weeks after the signing of the Phase One agreement.
On Friday, Trump once again declined to disclose whether he has spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping since taking office.
