Donald Trump has claimed that if he secures a return to the White House, China would hesitate to challenge him because President Xi Jinping recognizes his unpredictable nature. In a recent discussion with the editorial board of a major publication, Trump asserted that should he regain the presidency next month, he would implement steep tariffs on China in response to any blockade of Taiwan.
“If you invade Taiwan, I will impose taxes ranging from 150% to 200%,” Trump stated emphatically.
While campaigning, the Republican candidate expressed confidence that America’s adversaries would refrain from provoking the U.S. under his leadership, fearing a vigorous and potentially erratic reaction.
Trump indicated that military force may not be necessary to deter a blockade of Taiwan, emphasizing his rapport with Xi. “President Xi respects me and he knows I can be unpredictable,” he noted.
Reflecting on his past interactions with Xi, Trump described their relationship as strong, saying, “We had a great connection, not necessarily friends, but I got along very well with him.” He further remarked on Xi’s formidable character.
In addition to his comments on China, Trump spoke positively about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting, “I got along very well with him.” He recounted having previously warned Putin against invading Ukraine, saying, “I told him, ‘I’m going to hit you right in the middle of Moscow.’ I had no choice.”
With promises of aggressive trade policies and a retraction of U.S. involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump frames his foreign policy as “America First.” This stance has raised concerns among some allies of Ukraine, particularly with his selection of a running mate who opposes further U.S. aid to the nation.
### Trump’s Hardline Immigration Policies
Trump, who emphasizes strict immigration policies as a cornerstone of his campaign, reiterated his desire for legal immigration during an interview. He was questioned about his proposal for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, stating, “I prefer not to elaborate, as being overly nice could encourage illegal immigration.”
He defended the controversial “zero tolerance” family-separation policy from his administration, explaining, “Threatening to separate families deters illegal entry, even if it sounds harsh.”
### Concerns About Domestic Threats
In a related interview, Trump addressed his recent comments regarding the “radical left” in America being a greater threat than foreign enemies. He shared his view that “the enemy within” poses a significant challenge, labeling individuals he perceives as radical left a danger to societal stability.
Referencing President Biden’s doubts about a peaceful election, Trump highlighted potential unrest from supporters of his previous presidency. “If there are riots, deploying the National Guard would certainly be considered,” he stated when discussing maintaining order during potential electoral disruptions.
