Trump says he “really likes” Xi China

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he has “always had a great relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that he looks forward to “getting along with China.”

The US and China will “have a very good relationship,” the president said in a virtual interview at the World Economic Forum, according to the White House.

“All we want is fairness. We just want a level playing field,” Trump said. “But I really like President Xi. I always liked him.”

The newly elected president said earlier this week that he can increase customs duties on Chinese goods by 10% as soon as February 1. The White House on Monday also announced plans to investigate China opposes actions that harm US commerce.

During his election campaign, Trump proposed tariffs more than 60% on Chinese goods.

Trump also said he hopes to work with China to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. “I hope China can help us stop the war, in particular, with Russia and Ukraine. And they have a lot of power over this situation, and we’re going to work with them.”

China too stressed his readiness for negotiations with Washington. The Commerce Department said it has always been in contact with the “appropriate” US authorities on economic and trade issues.

“China is ready to work with the US to advance bilateral economic and trade relations in a stable, healthy and sustainable direction,” ministry spokesman He Yadong said on Thursday, noting that it is based on “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and a win-win principle.” . cooperation”.

Trump said last week that he had spoken with the Chinese president Xi by phone about TikTok and trading. The Chinese side did not mention the social media app, but said Xi called for cooperation and considered the two countries’ economic ties to be mutually beneficial.