We Have China Where We Want Them, GOP Lawmaker Says

Fox Business
Fox BusinessMay 12, 2026

Why It Matters

The remarks reveal a GOP push to use China’s supply weaknesses for trade leverage, influencing U.S. foreign‑policy calculations before the summit.

Key Takeaways

  • GOP lawmaker says U.S. has China where we want them.
  • He urges better trade deal and halt of fentanyl precursors.
  • Claims China’s oil supplies are dwindling, exposing vulnerabilities.
  • Opposes arms swap with Taiwan, citing distrust of China.
  • Highlights Cuba as national security threat needing humanitarian aid.

Summary

The video captures a Fox News interview where GOP Representative Carlos Giménez discusses President Trump’s planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping and outlines his expectations.

Giménez says the United States now “has China where we want them,” citing China’s dwindling cheap oil imports, its dependence on food imports, and the opportunity to extract a better trade deal. He also demands that China stop supplying precursor chemicals for fentanyl and rejects any arms‑exchange deal linking Taiwan weapons to Chinese support for Iran.

Notable remarks include “I have a great relationship with President Xi” contrasted with “I don’t trust China,” and a quote from Marco Rubio: “The only thing worse than a communist is an incompetent communist,” referencing Cuba’s regime.

The commentary signals a hard‑line Republican stance that seeks to leverage China’s emerging vulnerabilities while maintaining pressure on other adversaries, potentially shaping U.S. diplomatic strategy ahead of the summit.

Original Description

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., discusses President Donald Trump's trip to China as well as his foreign policy stance regarding Cuba on 'Varney & Co.'
00:00 Trump on his relationship with President Xi
00:55 Demanding a stop to fentanyl precursors
01:43 Rejecting a Taiwan-Iran trade-off deal
02:13 Exposing China’s economic weaknesses
02:58 Addressing the "failed state" of Cuba
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