Washington: US President Donald Trump has said Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the United States in two weeks.
Trump disclosed the expected visit while addressing a Republican campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Friday. He did not provide a date, venue or agenda for his meeting with Xi.
“As an example, in two weeks, President Xi of China’s coming,” Trump said.
The President mentioned Xi while discussing a proposed military-ballroom complex at the White House. Trump said the current East Room was too small to accommodate major official events and visiting delegations.
“You know, we have a Tiny little room right now. It’s been that way for years. It’s called East Room, and it seats 88 people,” Trump said.
He said he wished the proposed ballroom were already available for the Chinese leader’s visit.
“I wish we had a ballroom, but in a very short period of time, in a year from now, you’ll have one of the greatest anywhere in the world,” he said.
Trump told the gathering that the US Supreme Court had allowed the White House project to proceed. He said the complex would also include a military component involving protection from drones and missiles, along with bulletproof glass.
“The military’s wanted this done for 100 years, and presidents have wanted it done for 150 years,” he said.
Trump thanked the Supreme Court and Chief Justice for the ruling. “We have a ruling that it’s, proceed. When they say proceed, I think that’s a good thing,” he said.
The President said the construction was running under budget and ahead of schedule. He did not disclose its estimated cost during his remarks.
Trump’s announcement about Xi came as he defended his use of tariffs and credited them with encouraging international companies to establish manufacturing operations in the United States.
“We imposed historic tariffs on foreign goods,” Trump said. “The tariffs were making a fortune with tariffs.”
He said foreign companies faced a choice between paying duties on goods shipped to the United States and manufacturing those products inside the country.
“Come over here and build your cars in the United States,” Trump said, describing the message he had delivered to foreign carmakers.
Trump claimed that $19.2 trillion was being invested in the United States and that the country was experiencing a surge in factory construction. The transcript did not identify the source of the figure or specify which investments were included.
The President described tariffs as one of his favourite policy instruments. “It’s my all-time favorite word. I love tariffs. I love the word. It’s made us rich as hell,” he said.
China and the United States have the world’s largest bilateral trading relationship, but their economic ties have been strained by disputes involving tariffs, technology, semiconductor exports, market access and national security. Decisions taken by Washington and Beijing can affect supply chains and markets across Asia, including India.
(IANS)
