Marcos underscores importance of Trump, Xi talks for global economy

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week was “very encouraging to see” as it could benefit the global economy if it eases trade tensions.

Marcos said this in an interview with the Japanese media at Malacañang on Monday.

“It is always very encouraging to see when the two nations, such as China and the United States, can still come together and communicate with one another. And the two Presidents to directly be communicating is extremely important,” Marcos said.

“It does not matter how difficult the situation is, how large the conflict is, but if you stop talking, then immediately there is no chance of success. So that is why to see that there is a continuing dialogue, there are continuing exchanges between China and the United States, that is very, very important for us,” he added.

The White House earlier said that after Trump’s high-profile visit to China, a consensus had been reached on issues that will enhance "stability" for global businesses and consumers, according to a Reuters report.

Trump also said Xi had agreed Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but China gave no indication it would weigh in.

Marcos, meanwhile, expects trade disagreements to ease and anticipates greater cooperation resulting from the discussion with the two powerful leaders, which he said could also benefit Asian economies.

He also said that cooperation among countries would be “good for our consumers, it’s good for the strength of our economy.”

“And that for me is going to bring the synergy, and that is what I hope that the meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping will achieve that synergy,” Marcos said.

“I’m hoping at least at the very least that there will be less confrontation in terms of the economies,” he added. — BAP, GMA News