President Trump took to Twitter Thursday morning to give some advice to the three UCLA basketball players accused of stealing while in China. He also made an announcement about China’s efforts to deal with North Korea.
“To the three UCLA basketball players I say: You're welcome, go out and give a big Thank You to President Xi Jinping of China who made your release possible and, HAVE A GREAT LIFE! Be careful, there are many pitfalls on the long and winding road of life!” he advised.
To the three UCLA basketball players I say: You're welcome, go out and give a big Thank You to President Xi Jinping of China who made.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2017
....your release possible and, HAVE A GREAT LIFE! Be careful, there are many pitfalls on the long and winding road of life!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2017
On Wednesday the president tweeted that he hadn’t heard from the players over his efforts to secure their release and wondered if they would thank him.
“Do you think the three UCLA Basketball Players will say thank you President Trump? They were headed for 10 years in jail!” he said.
All three players later thanked Trump in a press conference for intervening on their behalf.
Trump also announced that “China is sending an Envoy and Delegation to North Korea - A big move, we'll see what happens!"
China is sending an Envoy and Delegation to North Korea - A big move, we'll see what happens!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2017
According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the visit, which is “common practice” for the two countries, is unrelated to Trump’s recent meeting with President Xi Jingping.
“The purpose of this visit is to brief about the party congress and exchange views on issues of common interest and bilateral interest,” said spokesman Geng Shuang.
Trump expressed optimism in China that Xi has the power to end North Korea’s nuclear weapons program “if he works on it hard.”
“There’s no doubt about it,” he added.