Donald Trump said he would discuss “nearly everything” during his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on September 24. Speaking on Sunday, the U.S. president said the agenda would include trade and automobiles, as well as Boeing, the war in Ukraine, Gaza, artificial intelligence and U.S. defense production.
Trump argued that tariffs on Chinese vehicles were preventing Chinese automobiles from entering the U.S. market. Saying the tariffs ranged from 100% to 150%, Trump claimed that Europe had “suffered greatly” because of Chinese automobiles.
Asked whether he could reach a deal that would lead China to purchase Boeing aircraft, Trump replied: “I make every deal.”
Claim about China’s ties to Iran
Trump was also asked about claims that China-linked entities may have provided Iran with satellite images of U.S. and allied air bases in Jordan. Trump said China was conducting intelligence activities similar to those of the United States.
“When they say China is spying on us, I say you’re right; we spy on them too,” Trump said.
Attacks in Ukraine affect fuel prices
Speaking about the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump said he had asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to target diesel refineries in Russia. He said attacks on these facilities were driving up fuel prices and making it harder for diesel to reach global markets.
Trump said diesel fuel was coming from Russia and described Ukraine’s attacks on the refineries as “a situation that hurts the world.” He argued that the war should end. Trump did not provide a specific timetable for when the war would end.
Trump assesses developments in Gaza
Trump praised the roles of Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe and U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in diplomatic efforts. Holding up Gaza as an example of successful negotiations, Trump said all the hostages had been brought back.
Trump also claimed that fighting in Gaza had declined significantly and that Hamas was ready to lay down its arms. He praised the work carried out by the U.S. delegation following these assessments.
Patriot and Tomahawk production increases
Trump said the United States was rapidly replenishing its weapons stocks after sending extensive military aid to Ukraine. He said Patriot air defense system production had been raised to unprecedented levels. Trump said new production facilities had been established and that production of various weapons, including Patriot and Tomahawk missiles, had been increased.
Trump said the United States had a large weapons stockpile and added that significant quantities of some systems had been sent to Ukraine.
Lasers, defense technology and artificial intelligence
Trump argued that laser weapons and advanced artillery systems would play an important role in the future of defense technology. He said lasers could be less expensive than costly interceptor missiles once the necessary equipment was installed, and that these systems were effective against some slower-moving missiles.
Trump said he believed artificial intelligence would bring more benefits than harm in the long term, adding that the country that achieved leadership in the field would gain a strategic advantage. Trump said he believed the United States was currently ahead by a significant margin.
Trade with Canada and license plate recognition cameras
Continuing his criticism of the Canadian government, Trump said negotiating with Canada was very difficult. Describing the Canadian people as “wonderful,” Trump warned that new tariffs would be imposed, including automobile tariffs scheduled to take effect on January 1.
Trump also said automatic license plate recognition cameras could help law enforcement catch criminals. Acknowledging concerns that the technology could violate privacy, Trump said he generally supported its use.
