Trump: "China has been ripping us off for a long time... Considering some retaliatory measures"

"Negotiating with all countries including China"

"Will prepare a negotiation plan in 2-3 weeks"

Considering "Miller as a strong candidate" for National Security Advisor

U.S. President Donald Trump stated regarding his tariff policy and trade negotiations with trading partners, "We are negotiating with almost all countries, including China."

According to the White House press pool on the 4th (local time), President Trump mentioned this to reporters on his private plane returning to Washington, D.C. from Palm Beach, Florida, and said, "Ultimately, I will decide on the negotiation plan."

When asked if he plans to talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is engaged in a tariff war with no end in sight this week, Trump said, "No." He added, "But people on our side and China are discussing other issues."

He said, "You (the press) keep asking the same question, 'When will the negotiations be concluded?' It depends on me, not them." He continued, "Right now, we are not trading with China at all. The tariffs are so high that they can't practically trade, and because of this, we are saving billions of dollars."

President Trump said, "I want a fair deal with China. However, China has been ripping us off for a long time. So, we may have to consider some retaliatory measures," and "We will prepare a negotiation plan in two or three weeks. I will say that certain countries have recorded a huge surplus with us in trade."

He added, "I will not be taken advantage of. So, at some point, I will set specific tariff rates."

Regarding Mike Waltz, the White House National Security Advisor he dismissed on the 1st, President Trump said, "I have not lost trust in him. He was fine and will do well in his current position." About nominating former advisor Waltz as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, he said, "Moving him was a promotion. If I had a choice, I would have wanted that position (UN ambassador)."

He said he is strongly considering Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, as a candidate for the next National Security Advisor, saying, "I see him as already indirectly holding that position."

Also, when asked about the criticism that "you and your family should not be associated with cryptocurrency companies during your tenure," President Trump replied, "I am a big fan of cryptocurrency because I want to keep it away from China," and "Like AI and many other industries, if I don't do it, China will take over."

Shin Hyun-bo, Hankyung.com reporter greaterfool@hankyung.com