White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow spoke to the press pool on Friday and insisted that America is not in a trade war despite rising economic tensions with China.

As President Donald Trump considers authorizing $100 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods, Kudlow praised Trump for getting tough on China for their economic machinations and intellectual property theft.

Kudlow told reporters that he found out about the new tariffs last night. The longtime free trade advocate is standing behind the president’s position here, as Kudlow believes it’s time for Trump to tell China “enough is enough.”

“We’re not running a trade war,” Kudlow insisted. “Nothing’s happened, nothing has been executed … there’s no ‘there,’ there yet, but there will be.”

Kudlow continued to take questions about international trade, though he mostly continued to express bemusement with those saying Trump is leading the world into a trade war.

“Blame China,” Kudlow said. “Don’t blame the administration, don’t blame Japan, don’t blame Europe. Blame China because they have to put their best foot forward and act like a world power. Thus far they’re just blowing smoke.”

By the way, here’s how China is reacting to the tariff news:

BEIJING (AP) — China says it will 'counterattack with great strength' if Trump acts on new tariff threat, says negotiations impossible. — Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) April 6, 2018

Watch above, via MSNBC.

[Image via screengrab]

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