Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., responded to a string of tweets about China by President Trump on Monday, urging him to “not sell out” for temporary gains.
But Schumer also labeled himself “closer to Trump than Obama or Bush” on China’s trading practices.
President Trump tweeted Monday that China has agreed to purchase “massive amounts” of farm and agriculture products from the United States, which would help reduce the longstanding trade deficit and “would be one of the best things to happen to our farms in many years!”
China has agreed to buy massive amounts of ADDITIONAL Farm/Agricultural Products – would be one of the best things to happen to our farmers in many years!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 21, 2018
Schumer issued a brief statement referencing China’s ongoing theft of U.S. intellectual property.
“As I’ve always said, when it comes to being tough on China’s trading practices, I’m closer to Trump than Obama or Bush,” he said in the statement. “But the president and his team have to stick with it, be strong, and not sell out for a temporary purchase of goods without addressing the real issue: the theft of American intellectual property which will cost us millions of American jobs in the long run.”
Trump is negotiating with China on trade and has delayed new tariffs while the two countries work on a deal.
