Trump: “Cooperation with China makes us stronger than confrontation”

U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the need for cooperation rather than confrontation with China, saying the United States could become “greater and stronger” through collaboration with Beijing.

In an interview aired on CBS’s 60 Minutes on November 2 (local time), Trump stated that “Russia and China are both conducting nuclear tests, but they just don’t announce them,” adding that “the United States should also resume nuclear weapons testing.” He continued, “We have enough nuclear weapons to destroy the planet 150 times. I don’t want to be the only country that doesn’t test.”

When the interviewer noted that North Korea is currently the only country conducting nuclear tests, Trump countered, “Russia and China are doing it too — they just don’t say it.”

Following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which the two leaders reached a trade agreement, Trump remarked, “We can become bigger, better, and stronger through cooperation rather than by trying to dominate them.”

Asked whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack, Trump maintained his trademark strategic ambiguity, replying, “You’ll find out if that ever happens.” He added, “President Xi told me he wouldn’t take any action while I’m in office because he knows what the outcome would be,” implying that no such crisis would occur during his presidency.

When asked who was the tougher counterpart between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, Trump responded, “They’re both smart and strong leaders.”

He also commented on Nvidia’s new AI chip, Blackwell, saying, “It’s ten years ahead of any other semiconductor. We’re not giving it to other countries.” While his remarks were seen as a warning to China, analysts noted they could have implications for U.S. semiconductor cooperation with allies such as South Korea.

Regarding the possibility of running for a third term, Trump said, “I haven’t thought about it, but a lot of people want me to,” leaving the door open for speculation.

The interview was conducted at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, marking his first appearance on CBS’s 60 Minutes in five years.