LOC23:37
20:37 GMT
WASHINGTON, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump said on Monday that his upcoming meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in South Korea would lead to a great and fair trade agreement.
He also announced his intention to visit China early next year at the invitation of Beijing.
Trump said to press while receiving Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House "I believe that when we finish our meetings in South Korea, China and I will reach a truly fair and wonderful trade agreement."
Trump and Xi are expected to meet in South Korea on the sidelines of their participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled to be held on October 31 and November 1.
Moreover, Trump renewed his warning to raise tariffs on China to 175 percent if Beijing does not come to the negotiating table by November 1.
Trump had previously imposed a 57 percent tariff on Chinese imports.
Regarding his visit to China, President Trump said "I have been invited to visit China, and I will do so sometime next year, the arrangements are almost set."
Apart from the trade war between Washington and Beijing, Trump stated that China is treating the United States "with great respect" and that he expects both countries to resolve their differences.
Regarding the tension over Taiwan Strait, Trump said "I will not talk about that now."
In contrast to a previous Pentagon assessment that China is planning to seize Taiwan in 2027, Trump said, "I think we will be fine with China. China does not want to do that." (end)
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