Trump Says Trade War Is 'devastating' For China

US President Donald Trump repeated his claim on Thursday that China is suffering most in the trade conflict with the United States, saying the punitive tariffs are having a "devastating effect."

And after talks broke down earlier this month, he said his tough strategy is working.

"I think we're doing very well with China," Trump told reporters at the White House. "China would love to make a deal with us. We had a deal, they broke the deal. I think if they had it to do again they wouldn't have done what they did."

Trump this month accused Beijing of reneging on previously made commitments in the talks, which had appeared close to producing a deal, and he immediately imposed additional tariffs on US$200 billion in Chinese goods.

"The tariffs are having a devastating effect on China. People are fleeing the country with their companies," Trump said. "These companies are leaving for Vietnam, other parts of Asia."

"I can tell you, China very much wants to make a deal," he said. "China is becoming a very weakened nation." (AFP)