In a striking admission in the middle of escalating geopolitical competition, US President Donald Trump has said that Washington is a ‘threat’ to China, even as he called for renewed dialogue between the world’s two largest economies.
Speaking to CBS News, Trump noted that Beijing is “always watching” the United States, underscoring the tense yet intertwined nature of US-China relations. The remarks come just days after the American leader urged for a trade truce with China, signaling a desire to ease the ongoing trade and technology standoff. However, Trump’s candid acknowledgment of the US as a strategic rival reflects the complex and often contradictory dynamics between the two superpowers.
“We’re a threat to them, too. Many of the things that you say, we do to them,” Trump said during the interview. Trump also suggested that despite the rivalry, cooperation remains possible. “I think we get along very well, and I think we can be bigger, better, and stronger by working with them as opposed to just knocking them out,” he added.
His comments come amidst heightened tensions following US intelligence reports accusing China of infiltrating parts of America’s power grid and water systems, along with allegations of intellectual property theft and large-scale data breaches targeting American citizens and businesses.
Concerns Over China’s Expanding Nuclear Arsenal
Trump also expressed concern about China’s rapidly growing nuclear capabilities, warning that Beijing could reach nuclear parity with Washington and Moscow within five years.
The US President revealed that he had discussed nuclear disarmament with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding: “Denuclearization’s a very big thing. We have enough nuclear weapons to blow up the world 150 times. Russia has a lot, and China will have a lot. They have some. They have quite a bit.” Justifying his recent order to restart US nuclear weapons testing, Trump claimed that Russia and China are secretly testing their nukes, saying, “You just don’t know about it.”
China’s Power Lies in Rare Earth Dominance
The Republican leader also addressed China’s economic leverage, particularly its control over rare earth minerals, which are critical to industries ranging from electronics to defence manufacturing. “We’re doing very well against China,” Trump said. “And all of a sudden, they said, ‘We have to fight back.’ The power they have is rare earths because they’ve been accumulating and managing them for 25-30 years.”
He acknowledged that the US had retaliated by restricting Boeing aircraft parts and imposing tariffs, which became the big thing in the trade battle. “They use rare earths against us, and we used other things against them,” he said. “We were both acting maybe a little bit irrationally.”
Meeting with Xi Jinping and Global Concerns
Trump’s statements came shortly before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 32nd APEC Economic Ministers’ Meeting in South Korea — their first face-to-face interaction in more than six years. The discussion is expected to cover trade, security, and nuclear policy, especially as fears rise over a new global arms race.
Global observers warn that Trump’s decision to resume nuclear testing could unravel decades of arms control progress and fuel tensions between major powers. Still, Trump defended his stance, insisting that the United States must not fall behind. “America cannot be the only power not conducting tests while others expand their arsenals,” he said.
As the US, China, and Russia continue to vie for strategic dominance, Trump’s remarks highlight a fragile balance — one where rivalry, deterrence, and diplomacy are all playing out on the world’s biggest stage.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
