DHAKA: Trump told the Wall Street Journal that newly-imposed sanctions on Russia would remain “at least for a period of time” but could then be lifted.

He also said the One China policy, in which the US no longer acknowledges Taiwan, was up for negotiation.

Meanwhile, a US Senate committee will probe claims Russia attempted to meddle in the presidential election.

In his interview, Trump said sanctions on Russia could be lifted if Moscow helped Washington in the war against Islamic extremism and in other matters.

“If you get along and if Russia is really helping us, why would anybody have sanctions if somebody’s doing some really great things?”

He said he hoped a meeting with President Vladimir Putin would be arranged. With regards to Beijing, Trump said China had to allow US companies to compete by floating its currency.

But he also said he would not label China a currency manipulator the instant he took office.

He had already questioned the One China policy last month, provoking angry responses in Chinese state media.

BDST: 1510 HRS, JAN 14, 2017
RY/BD