China, in his words · Before politics · № 14

On China

Wrote 'China is not our friend. They are not our ally'

“China is not our friend. They are not our ally. They want to overtake us, and if we don’t get smart and tough soon, they will.”
Said
, Post on Twitter (@realDonaldTrump)
Subject
China as rival
Threat
Other
Topic
Foreign policy
Era
Before politics

What the record showed

He posted similar lines on Aug. 15, 2011 ('China is a threat to America. They are not our friend.') and May 20, 2014 ('Remember, China is not a friend of the United States!'). As president he wrote on Dec. 3, 2018: 'President Xi and I have a very strong and personal relationship,' and on Jan. 24, 2020: 'on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!' In September 2026 he hosted Xi for a three-day state visit to Washington.

Sources

  1. Tweet by @realDonaldTrump, February 21, 2013 Twitter, Feb 21, 2013
  2. Tweet by @realDonaldTrump, August 15, 2011 Twitter, Aug 15, 2011
  3. Tweet by @realDonaldTrump, May 20, 2014 Twitter, May 20, 2014
  4. Tweet by @realDonaldTrump, December 3, 2018 Twitter, Dec 3, 2018
  5. Tweet by @realDonaldTrump, January 24, 2020 Twitter, Jan 24, 2020
  6. Trump, Xi wrap state visit centered on spectacle over substance. Here are the top takeaways CNBC, Sep 25, 2026