President Donald Trump said Sunday he is not seeking to “destroy China” amid ongoing trade tensions, defending his administration’s tariffs and export controls in a television interview.
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“I have a lot to pull. I’m not looking to destroy China — I’m looking to not destroy China,” Trump said. “But, you know, China’s taken out trillions of dollars over the years. China has built their military because of us. China has taken out trillions and trillions of dollars.”
Trump made the comments during an appearance on Fox News, where he discussed recent tariffs and U.S. restrictions on rare earth mineral exports. He praised China’s leadership and said both countries are interested in striking a deal.
“They have a very smart leader, and I think we have a leader that wants to make a deal because I think that’s smart, and he’s smart,” Trump said.
The president said he is on track to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea in the coming weeks.
In related developments, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Friday he will meet with Chinese delegates this week.
All of this takes place as a trade truce remains in effect between the U.S. and China until Nov. 10.
