President Trump avoided directly answering a question Thursday about whether he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is mentally unstable.

Fox News reporter John Roberts asked Trump whether he believe Jong un “is mentally unstable" during a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

"Is he a man that can be reasoned with?” Roberts asked.

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“As far as North Korea is concerned, we are in very good shape,” Trump responded. “We're building our military rapidly. A lot of things have happened over the last short period of time. I have been here for approximately 91 days. We're doing a lot of work. We're in very good position. We're going to see what happens. I can't answer your question on stability. I hope the answer is a positive one, not a negative one, but hopefully that will be something that gets taken care of.”

Trump said he was encouraged about China taking a tougher stance against North Korea after his meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping earlier this month.

“I have great respect for the president of China,” Trump said. “As you know, we had a great summit in Florida … and got to know each other and I think like each other. I can say from my standpoint I liked him very much. I respect him very much and I think he is working very hard … I actually told him, I said, you'll make a much better deal on trade if you get rid of this menace or do something about the menace of North Korea, because that's what it is. It is a menace right now. So we will see what happens.”

Trump's answer comes the United States faces increasing tensions with North Korea over its nuclear program.