Asked about his upcoming meeting with the Chinese President at a medical event in the Oval Office on May 11, President Donald Trump waxed optimistic. He again praised China’s President Xi Jinping, calling him a “great gentleman” and “an amazing man,” and stressed the good relationship they have maintained. He noted the press are not at all happy with the fact that he says this about the Chinese President, but he indicated that he was not concerned about what they think. When asked about Taiwan, he said that the question would undoubtedly come up, but would be brought up more by China than by him, noting that Taiwan is 9,500 miles away from the United States , but only about 67 miles from China, indicating that it was of greater concern for them than it was for the U.S. One reporter asked if he would take up the question of dissident Jimmy Lai, who is now in a Chinese prison. Trump said he always mentions Lai at these meetings, as well as the situation of another dissident, a Protestant pastor, who was brought to his attention that morning. He noted, however, that Lai had created some trouble, although he “was trying to do the right thing.” The two major topics, he said, would be energy and that “beautiful country Iran.” “And it is beautiful,” Trump added, but said, “there are people running it who shouldn’t be there.”
Trump Upbeat About His Upcoming Meeting With President Xi
