US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he believes China can open its markets to American goods. “I think it’s going to happen,” Trump told reporters, without providing further details. He also reiterated having a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Tensions between Washington and Beijing remain high over trade, intellectual property, human rights, COVID-19 origins, and policies toward Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump’s confidence comes amid these ongoing disputes.
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The statement follows Trump’s recent threat of a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, a move criticized by China, Iran’s largest trading partner. Trump did not clarify how these tariffs would be applied.
Trump has been weighing responses to Iran’s ongoing anti-government demonstrations and last year’s conflicts with Israel. His remarks suggest a focus on trade diplomacy with China despite geopolitical tensions.
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Observers say US-China trade relations will remain complex, with economic opportunities weighed against long-standing strategic disputes. Trump’s comments signal optimism, but no concrete steps have been outlined yet.