LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell continued to caution against trade wars Friday but praised President Donald Trump for his tough stance against China, saying he hopes it produces a better deal after years of the Chinese “eating our lunch” on trade.

Speaking to workers at a manufacturing plant in his Kentucky hometown, he said he hopes U.S. disputes with trading partners are short-lived but took a tougher stand toward China while praising the president’s actions.

“I hope there’s a better deal to be made out of this — particularly with regard to the Chinese, who have been eating our lunch for years,” said McConnell, R-Ky. “I’m not as hopeful we can get a better deal with the North American Free Trade Agreement than we currently have. But there’s no question that the Chinese situation is unsustainable. And I commend the president for taking them on.”

Responding to a reporter’s questions about tariffs, McConnell also downplayed prospects for any congressional action by critics of Trump’s tariffs, saying such legislation “probably would not be achievable, even if it were desirable” given that it would need the president’s signature.