Trump Would Accept Chinese Automakers Made in US

Donald Trump has signaled a more open stance toward Chinese automakers, provided they manufacture their vehicles directly in the United States and employ American workers.

The president said he would not object to Chinese-owned factories operating on US soil, just as he accepts plants run by Japanese manufacturers. However, he does not want China to manufacture cars in Mexico and then ship them into the United States.

His comments come amid growing pressure ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for two weeks from now in Washington. American automakers and several lawmakers are pushing for a tougher approach.

Senator Elissa Slotkin has warned that allowing Chinese vehicles into the country could form part of a broader agreement with Beijing. Trump dismissed the claim as a false rumor. Meanwhile, the auto industry is urging Congress to impose a permanent ban on Chinese vehicles entering the US market.

(Reuters)