Chinese President Xi Jinping painted a picture of a strong Chinese economy in his New Year's speech, while also referring to external “uncertainties” as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office.
“China's economy is facing new circumstances, including the challenges of uncertainty in the external environment and the pressure to transform from old growth engines to new ones,” Xi said in his speech. new year's eve messagethe Wall Street Journal reported, acknowledging that the nation cannot rely so heavily on international investment.
“But we can definitely overcome if we try hard,” he added. According to the journal. “As always, we grow in the wind and rain and emerge stronger through difficult times. We must have confidence.”
His speech came just over a month after President Trump announced on the first day of his second term that he would impose new tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico and China through an executive order. If implemented, the order would add 10% to current tariffs on Chinese goods, many of which are left over from the previous term.
After the announcement, President Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and both sides called the conversations “productive.” Prime Minister Trudeau then visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Tensions between the United States and China have increased since President Trump first took office in 2017. Still, the president-elect invited the Chinese leader to his inauguration ceremony in Washington on January 20, a move that drew scrutiny from both sides of the aisle. Trump ally. Mr. Xi is likely to decline the invitation.
“This is an example of President Trump creating open dialogue with the leaders of not only our allies but also our adversaries and competitors,” said incoming White House press secretary Caroline Levitt.
At a press conference at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month, the president-elect praised the Chinese leader as a “great person” and friend. He also suggested that the United States and China should work together to resolve international issues.
“If you think about it, China and the United States can solve all the world's problems if they join forces. So this is very important. He was my friend,” he said. And he's a great guy. ”
“The press hates me saying that, but he's a great guy,” he added.
In his remarks Tuesday, President Xi also sent a clear warning to Taiwan about its efforts to counter unification with China, the sources said. to Reuters.
“The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever family ties and no one can stop the historic trend of national reunification,” he said, according to Reuters.
His remarks echoed comments made in a speech last year in which the Chinese president said “China will definitely be unified,” the newspaper reported.
Following the election of Taiwan's President Lai Ching-de in May, the Chinese government has strengthened its military presence around Taiwan.
The Hill has reached out to Trump's transition team for comment.
