Trump’s comparatively soft rhetoric on China also showed his restraint, in what observers suggested could be a sign that Washington was pulling back from its confrontational stance towards Beijing.
In his hour-long speech, Trump mentioned China several times, including on the issues of climate and Ukraine. “China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil,” he said.
“In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs which would stop the bloodshed, I believe, very quickly,” he added.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has focused much of his attention on ending the Ukraine war, including speaking with Putin directly and holding a summit with him in Alaska last month.
