Larry Kudlow, a former Reagan White House official who now serves as director of the National Economic Council, told Newsmax TV the United States has no desire "to make the Chinese happy" amid the ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.
Kudlow spoke with Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on myriad issues, including the trade talks that have resulted in both sides placing tariffs on each other's goods.
"Our role in life and policy is not to make the Chinese happy," Kudlow said. "China's given us a hard time on trade. Unfair, non-reciprocal, law-breaking, IP theft, forced technology transfers, stopping us from owning our own companies, cyberhacking, and so forth, tariff and non-tariff barriers with respect to commodities, farming, industrial commodities, and a variety of other ways. They have not played by the rules.
"This president is the first president not only to talk about it, but to take action with respect to tariffs — which I think brought the Chinese to the table."
Kudlow added Trump's tough negotiating style has made him realize tariffs are an effective tool when used properly.
"I give President Trump a lot of credit. I've learned from his tough negotiating style," he said.
Regarding the talks themselves, which first heated up in January 2018 when Trump placed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines, Kudlow said they are progressing well.
"The talks have come a long way. [U.S. trade representative Robert] Lighthizer is the best trade negotiator I have ever seen. I work very closely with him and [I'm] honored to do so, along with Steve Mnuchin over at Treasury," Kudlow said.
"We've made good headway across the board, Chris. We've raised issues that we never raised before, they're on the table, we've made headway on these issues. We are not complete. As the president has said, it's gotta be a great deal for the United States."
"Our role in life is not to make the Chinese happy. Our role in life is to have a truly free and fair and reciprocal trading system, which would be good for the United States economy, our manufacturing workers, our farm workers, and our entrepreneurs in technology. That is our goal."
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