U.S. President Donald Trump recently praised Chinese President Xi Jinping in an interview aboard Air Force One, calling him “a very smart and strong leader.” He said they had a good relationship and expressed confidence that tensions between the United States and China would eventually ease.
Trump made the remarks while flying to Israel. He said his strategy of imposing tariffs on China was “making America rich and strong again” and giving Washington greater leverage in trade negotiations.
Even as he praised Xi, Trump reiterated plans to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on imports from China from November 1 and restrict exports of critical software. He said the measures responded to what he described as China’s unfair restrictions on rare-earth exports.
In response, China condemned what it called U.S. double standards, criticized the tariff action as unreasonable and destructive, and warned that it could further increase uncertainty in the global economy.
Analysts said Trump’s shifts between a tough stance and friendly remarks toward China might be intended to pave the way for an upcoming high-level meeting, while leaving uncertainty over the future of trade.
Compiled reporting by this station.
