Comments from former President Donald Trump expressing his desire for China’s success have triggered a flurry of reactions online. In an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures With Maria Bartiromo, Trump, addressing accusations of starting a trade war with China during his first term, asserted that he wouldn’t initiate another one if reelected in November.
Despite his previous anti-China rhetoric, he emphasized his wish for China’s prosperity and praised President Xi Jinping as a good friend.
“It’s not a trade war. I did great with China with everything,” Trump stated, adding that he would reinstate tariffs on Chinese-made goods, exceeding 60 percent, if necessary. These statements by the potential 2024 GOP presidential nominee generated online responses highlighting perceived hypocrisy given Trump’s history of anti-China sentiments.
Donald Trump:
“I want China to do great. I do. And I like President Xi a lot. He was a very good friend of mine during my term.”
America last. pic.twitter.com/EJeRWjXYkR
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) February 4, 2024
The official Republicans Against Trump account tweeted, “America last,” inverting Trump’s “America First” motto. American Bridge 21st Century, a liberal super PAC, remarked on Trump’s praise for President Xi, noting surprise even from interviewer Maria Bartiromo.
Online reactions also delved into other comments from the interview, where Trump suggested he expected China to interfere in the 2024 presidential election. Critics questioned Trump’s alignment, pointing to reports of financial dealings with China during his presidency. Lawyer Bradley P. Moss suggested using Trump’s remarks in campaign ads against him.
These China-related statements followed a previous interview in which Trump avoided explicitly stating U.S. support for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. Instead, he expressed frustrations with Taiwan’s semiconductor business, drawing criticism.
The context of these remarks is significant, given that Republicans often accuse President Joe Biden and Democrats of being “weak” on China, viewing the nation as a major global competitor and discussing concerns about a potential conflict with Beijing openly.
