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Dem: Hopefully Trump doesn't 'embarrass us' with Chinese leader

April 6, 2017

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) said Thursday he has "low expectations" for President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, adding he hopes Trump does not "embarrass us."

"Let me first say that based on President Trump's past performance with world leaders, I have low expectations," Lieu said on MSNBC. "I just want the president to not embarrass us."

Lieu said he hopes important issues are addressed during their meeting.

"I'm an American and I want him to make us proud. I want him to be strong. I believe in free trade. I also believe in fair trade. That's why I oppose a Trans-Pacific Partnership. And I hope the president gets China to do much more on North Korea," Lieu said.

Trump is hosting the Chinese leader on Thursday and Friday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla.

The two leaders plan to "discuss global, regional, and bilateral issues of mutual concern," the White House said in a statement last week.

Their meeting comes as tensions rise between the U.S. and North Korea and amid unsettled disputes over trade deals, with Trump regularly hitting China over trade deals during last year's campaign.