Trump’s tariffs, Xi visit and Strait of Hormuz claim: What he said at South Carolina rally
Washington: US President Donald Trump made a series of major remarks at a campaign rally in South Carolina on Friday (local time). He defended his tariff policy and claimed it was making the US richer. Trump also said Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit the US in about two weeks and described the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as “American territory”.
The remarks, made at a Republican rally in Myrtle Beach, brought together three major themes of Trump’s agenda- reshaping global trade, managing ties with China and maintaining pressure on Iran.
‘Tariffs have made us rich’
Trump launched a strong defence of his tariff policy, calling tariffs his “all-time favorite word” and claiming they had made the United States “rich”.
He argued that import duties were encouraging foreign companies to move manufacturing to the US rather than pay tariffs on goods shipped into the country.
Using foreign carmakers as an example, Trump said companies had been given a choice: pay the tariffs or “come over here and build your cars in the United States”.
He claimed the policy was driving record levels of manufacturing and automobile investment, particularly in South Carolina.
Trump also claimed that $19.2 trillion was currently being invested in the US and that hundreds or even thousands of factories were being built. However, he did not provide a breakdown of the figure, identify the companies involved or specify the period covered.
Xi expected in US within weeks
Trump also said Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit the United States in about two weeks.
“As an example, in two weeks, President Xi of China’s coming,” Trump said, without providing a date, venue or agenda for the expected visit.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of continuing disputes between Washington and Beijing over tariffs, technology, semiconductor exports, market access and national security.
Trump referred to Xi while discussing his proposed White House ballroom and military-security complex, saying he wished the facility were already available to host the Chinese leader.
The timing of the expected visit could therefore be important as Washington continues to push its trade agenda while seeking to manage its relationship with Beijing.
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‘Strait of Hormuz is an American territory’
Trump also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz as “an American territory”.
He did not explain the legal or territorial basis for the assertion. The waterway is bordered by Iran and Oman and is one of the world's most important routes for global energy shipments.
Trump also added that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and claimed US action had severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities.
He also said oil and petrol prices would fall once the confrontation with Iran was over.
His comments come amid continuing tensions over the waterway and Washington’s pressure campaign against Tehran. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical point for global energy markets, meaning any disruption or escalation there could have consequences well beyond the region.
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The comments were made as Trump campaigned for Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham ahead of the party’s South Carolina runoff, with the President urging voters to treat the election as a test of his broader political programme.
With IANS inputs