Trump Optimistic About China Trade Talks, Dismisses Notion of Partial Deal
President Donald Trump said the U.S. and China “could do something very substantial” when Chinese officials travel to Washington for trade talks this week, but he dismissed the idea of a partial deal.
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Speaking with reporters after the U.S. and Japan officially signed their initial trade deal (see 1910070074) on Oct. 7, Trump said his relationship with China is “very good” and that there is a “good possibility” the two sides reach a deal. “We think there is a chance that we could do something very substantial,” Trump said. “They’re coming to make a deal. We’ll see whether or not a deal can be made, but it’s got to be a fair deal.”
He also said his “inclination” is to get a “big deal” rather than a partial one like the U.S. did with Japan. “I think it’s not what we prefer at all,” Trump said. “I would much prefer a big deal. And I think that’s what we’re shooting for. Can something happen? I guess, maybe. Who knows? But I think it’s probably unlikely.”
The protests in Hong Kong may be linked to the trade deal, Trump said, adding that the U.S. would like to see “a very humane solution … And I think President Xi [Jinping] has the ability to do it.” If the situation in Hong Kong worsens, Trump said, that could impact trade negotiations. "If anything happened bad, I think that would be very bad for the negotiation,” Trump said. “I think, politically, it would be very tough maybe for us, and maybe for some others, and maybe for [Xi].”