China and I will have a really fair, and really great trade deal together, Trump has said
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he expects to reach a fair trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping and downplayed the likelihood of tensions over Taiwan, even as his top trade negotiator accused Beijing of “economic coercion.”
Speaking with reporters, Trump suggested that China had no intention of invading Taiwan but acknowledged that the matter would likely be discussed when he meets Xi on the sidelines of an economic conference in South Korea next week.
Trade tensions between the United States and China — the world’s two largest economies — remain unresolved, with ongoing disputes over tariffs, technology, and market access. Trump made his remarks at the start of a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during which the two leaders signed a critical minerals agreement aimed at countering China’s influence in global supply chains.
Addressing Taiwan, Trump said, “China doesn’t want to do that,” referring to any invasion, while emphasizing U.S. military strength. He added, “We have the best of everything, and nobody is going to mess with that. I think we’ll end up with a very strong trade deal. Both sides will be satisfied.”
Later in the day, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer struck a firmer tone, saying Washington would take appropriate measures in response to Beijing’s “pattern of economic coercion” targeting companies involved in strategic sectors. His comments followed reports that China’s sanctions on U.S.-linked subsidiaries of shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean could disrupt shipbuilding cooperation plans between South Korea and the United States.
Greer stated, “Attempts at intimidation will not prevent the United States from rebuilding its shipbuilding base and defending critical industries from China’s dominance.”
When asked whether the United States might reconsider its stance on Taiwan’s independence to advance trade discussions, Trump said, “We’ll be talking about many things. I assume that will be one of them, but I’m not going to talk about it now.”
In Taipei, Wang Liang-yu, head of Taiwan’s foreign ministry’s North American Affairs Department, said communication between Taiwan and the U.S. remains “smooth,” and noted that since Trump took office, Washington has consistently reaffirmed its support for Taiwan. She added that Taiwan will continue to monitor developments closely and maintain dialogue with the U.S. to ensure stable progress and protection of its interests.