US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would love to get an appointment with China to end an escalating trade war.
Trump made the comments during a cabinet meeting opened to the press. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during the meeting that when they settle agreements with countries, it will result in more security for trade policy.
Trump said, “Would very much like to get an appointment with China.”
He talked about the potential of ongoing conversations, “we think we will end up working something good for both countries.”
Trump also commented on the war in Ukraine and said that progress was made to end the conflict. “… We are making progress in getting Russia-Ukraine war stopped,” he added.
With the economic side of his policy, Trump suggested that revenue that was generated from tariffs could be directed to paying out national debt. “Would spend money from tariffs to pay off debt,” he said.
In his comments on the European Union’s trade, Trump noted that he was considering approaching the EU as a unified block when discussing customs duties. “Looking at the EU as a block on customs,” he noted.
Trump’s comments come at a time of increased focus on US trade policies and his potential influence on international relations if he were to return to the presidency.
Trump said his administration was “very close” to the first country by making an appointment, adding that he would strike agreements that were beneficial to his country who approached his cabinet meeting that lasted for more than an hour.
Higher tariffs would be put back in place after a 90-day break if no offers were made, he warned. He maintained that his government did not consider for any country or company to get an exception.
In response to a question about customs collection, the US president said the amount would be used to pay national debt, reduce taxes, creative government budgets and “help” the US -Mexico border.
