Trump Holds Talks with Chinese President via Representatives

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping are holding talks through their representatives, and he believes they will come to an agreement.

Trump said in an interview with conservative broadcaster Hugh Hewitt, “We are actually talking. We’re talking through their representatives,” according to Reuters. He described Xi, who will be inaugurated as president on January 20, as a strong and capable leader, noting that he is respected in China.

Trump added, “I think we could get along very well. I expect that… but as you know, this has to be a two-way street.” He repeated his accusation that China is “pillaging” the U.S. economically.

Trump has invited Xi and other foreign leaders to his inauguration in Washington later this month, but experts say it is unlikely that the Chinese leader will attend.

Trump has appointed a number of hardline anti-China figures to key positions in his upcoming administration, including Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State.

Trump said he would impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing takes stronger actions to curb the trafficking of the highly addictive fentanyl drug. He had previously threatened to impose tariffs exceeding 60% on Chinese goods during his campaign.