Trump raises possibility of decoupling US economy from China

US President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of decoupling the US economy from China, a move that would mean the separation of the world's two largest economies. 

"When you mention the word 'decouple,' it's an interesting word," Trump said at a press conference on Monday outside the White House. 

The president suggested that the US would gain economically from such a move as he blasted Beijing for unfair trade practices, even amid concerns that losing a major export market would hurt businesses.

The comments come as rhetoric between Washington and Beijing remains tense. A trade war has ballooned into a battle over technology, control over the South China Sea, the fate of Hong Kong's democracy and other issues, including the coronavirus.

Blames Beijing for pandemic

Trump signed a so-called Phase 1 trade agreement with China earlier this year but has since indicated that he has changed his mind, as he blames Beijing for the global pandemic.

The US elections take place in November and Trump recently has been stepping up his attacks on Beijing.