Trump says he is ‘not looking to destroy China’ after previously warning he could, and calls Xi Jinping’s life story worthy of a movie
President Donald Trump signaled a softer tone toward China amid ongoing trade tensions, saying he’s not seeking to “destroy China” but wants a fair and balanced economic relationship between the two nations.
In an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, President Trump discussed the state of U.S.-China trade relations while offering both praise and pointed criticism toward Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“I’m not looking to destroy China,” Trump said, emphasizing that his administration’s recent tariffs and software restrictions are a necessary response to years of economic imbalance. Earlier this month, he announced an additional 100% tariff on certain Chinese goods, alongside new software restrictions targeting sectors where China maintains dominant control, such as rare earth minerals.
“Now they’ve forced me to charge them what is the equivalent of 155 to 157%,” he said, explaining that the measures were a response to China’s own tightened export controls that affect key global industries.
This more measured tone contrasts with Trump’s tougher remarks in August, when he warned that the U.S. held powerful economic leverage over China. “They have some cards. We have incredible cards. But I don’t want to play those cards. If I did, that would destroy China,” he said at the time.
Analysts have noted that beyond tariffs, the U.S. could exert further economic pressure through control of aviation supply chains, software exports, and dominance in global financial systems.
Financial markets have been volatile throughout the latest round of trade developments. Stocks dropped sharply following the tariff announcement but later rebounded after Trump reassured investors, saying, “Don’t worry about China. Everything will be fine.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng this week for continued discussions ahead of a planned meeting between President Trump and President Xi later this month at a regional economic summit in South Korea.
In his Fox interview, Trump reiterated his belief that China has “ripped off our country for years” while also highlighting his personal rapport with Xi. “I get along great with him. He’s a very strong leader, a very amazing man,” Trump said. “You look at what he’s done — his life is an amazing story. It’s a story for a great movie. I think we’re going to be fine with China, but we have to have a fair deal.”
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