China's leader Xi Jinping won't decide to block Taiwan because he knows I'm f***ing crazy, said Donald Trump in an interview for The Wall Street Journal. The former president also argued that when he ruled the US, he threatened Vladimir Putin with an attack on Moscow if it invaded Ukraine. At the same time, he described Putin as a “friend” and said about Xi that he “got on well with him.”
The Republican presidential candidate was asked during the interview how he would convince the leader Chinato give up the blockade Taiwanif such a situation occurred. Trump said it would be “very easy” and that he would use the threat of tariffs. “I would say: If you enter Taiwan, I am very sorry to do this, but I will impose a tax on you – 150-200 percent,” he said.
When asked if he would choose a military response, he replied that he would not have to do so. – He (Xi – ed.) respects me and knows that I am f**king crazy, argued Trump, adding that he had a “strong relationship” with the Chinese leader “, although “he couldn't call him a friend.”
Trump on the conversation with Putin
He also emphasized that during his presidency he got along great with both Xi and Vladimir Putinbut claimed that he nevertheless did not hesitate to use threats against the Russian president.
– I told Putin: “Vladimir, we have great relations (…), if you reach for Ukraine, I will hit you so hard you won't believe it. I will hit you right in the middle of bloody Moscow.” I said, “We're friends. I don't want to do this, but I have no choice.” He said, “No way.” And I said, “Speech. You're going to hit me so hard I'm going to knock the f**king domes right off your head.” Because, you know, he lives under domes, Trump told reporters about the conversation, perhaps referring to the Kremlin.
Donald Trump during a rally in Coachella Valley, ColoradoEPA
Trump on possible use of military “against rioters”
In an interview for “WSJ”, fragments of which were published on Saturday, the politician also referred to his previous suggestions that he would use the army if “internal enemies” caused riots on election day.
In response to a question from columnist Peggy Noonan, who asked him to rule out using the military against his opponents and “introducing a fascist-style government,” Trump initially said that of course he would not do it, but a moment later added that if necessary National Guard troops would have to be used to quell the riots.
– Certainly not against my opponents – only against the riot participants – he emphasized.
Main photo source: EPA