US President Donald Trump gave an exclusive interview to CBS's '60 Minutes' program on the 2nd local time, making his first appearance on the show since reaching a settlement with the media's parent company earlier this year. During the interview, Trump discussed a range of international issues, including China-US relations, the Russia-Ukraine war, and nuclear weapons policy, with his remarks once again drawing external attention.
When host O'Donnell asked whether China posed a major threat to the United States, Trump responded: "We are also a threat to them. I think we get along well, and by working with them, not just beating them, America can become stronger and better." He emphasized that although China and the US are in fierce competition, cooperation remains a win-win path for both sides. "It's a very competitive world, especially when it comes to China-US relations. We've always been watching them, and they've always been watching us."
O'Donnell mentioned that China is adept at long-term planning, thinking in terms of centuries. Trump stressed that the US also possesses long-term strategic thinking, adding that last week he reached a one-year trade agreement with China, demonstrating that the relationship between the two sides is stable and constructive.
When asked who is harder to deal with between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin, Trump laughed and said both are smart and strong: "They're both tough to deal with, and they're smart. Listen, they're both very strong leaders. You can't play games with these people, you have to take them seriously. They're not going to say, 'Oh, what nice weather today! Look at how bright and pleasant the sunshine is!' and so on. No, they're serious people — strong and wise leaders."
O'Donnell then pressed Trump about his views on Putin, mentioning the friendly scene from their meeting in Alaska this August. Trump responded, "I greet everyone warmly." But he reiterated that if he had remained in office, "The Russia-Ukraine war would never have happened at all," insisting that this war is "Biden's war, not mine."
During the interview, Trump was also asked about his decision to resume American nuclear testing. He argued that this move was based on the "principle of reciprocity," claiming that Russia and China are "also conducting nuclear tests, just that outsiders don't know." He said that as an open society, the US should be honest and protect its own security: "Since they're testing, we must test too."