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New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman explained that President Donald Trump is far from a hawk when it comes to China. Instead, he admires them and holds them in his highest esteem.
Speaking to CNN on Thursday about the president's trip abroad, the reporter once referred to as "Trump Whisperer" explained that he "recognize[s] China's strength in the world. And, you know, to some extent, the points of leverage that it has that he simply can't do much against."
Haberman told co-host Wolf Blitzer she doesn't see Trump's kowtowing to China as "surprising" while he's visiting.
"We have seen, you know, China is doing what many other world leaders have done when President Trump has visited, which is roll out an incredibly elaborate greeting. That is something that President Trump responds to well," she added.
In the past, Trump has attacked China for "taking advantage" of the United States when it comes to trade. After winning in 2016, Trump accused China of intentionally manipulating its currency while unfairly taxing the U.S. Ahead of his trip to China in April, Trump amplified comments from Michael Savage calling China and India "hellholes."
"But the reality is that if you listen to things that he has said over time, he has spoken admiringly of President Xi Jinping for some time," said Haberman. "He has described him as ruling with a, quote, unquote, 'iron fist.'"
She explained that the comment is "one of President Trump's highest accolades."
Meanwhile, Haberman said, there are a number of people in Trump's MAGA base who don't look on Trump's affection for China favorably. One of those is longtime ally, Steve Bannon.
As a longtime China hawk, Bannon has called China a threat to industrial democracy and alleged in 2019 it's the most "geopolitically aggressive opponent we've ever had."
Meanwhile, both the press and the Secret Service have clashed with China's security and officials during the president's visit.