China should prepare for more vitriol from Donald Trump after threat to sever ties, observers say

President’s comments in interview with Fox News, in which he said US would be US$500 billion better off without China, reflect the escalating tensions between the two nations, university professor says

Beijing should not worry too much about Trump’s words, but be wary they could turn into actions, CASS researcher says

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US President Donald Trump said that “right now” he does not want to speak to his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:18pm, 15 May 2020Updated: 12:04am, 16 May 2020

China should prepare for more inflammatory comments from US President Donald Trump and his team as relations between the two countries come under increasing pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic recession it created, according to observers.

The assessment came after Trump expressed doubts over the phase one trade agreement signed between Washington and Beijing in January, saying the US would save US$500 billion if it “cut off the whole relationship” with China.

In an interview with Fox Business News on Thursday, Trump even poured cold water on his personal ties to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“I have a very good relationship [with Xi], but I just, right now I don’t want to speak to him.”

The two leaders last spoke on February 7.

Despite Trump’s outburst, Beijing delivered a measured response on Friday, with foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian stressing the need for cooperation, not conflict.

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