Trump made the comments in a speech that was, according to CNN, filled with jokes and told in a lighthearted manner. It appears the comments were likely made in jest.
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/376604-trump-on-chinese-president-abolishing-term-limits-maybe-well-give
Turning to the media, Trump said he and The New York Times are both New York City icons — “the only difference is I still own my buildings.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT1Vu6ho8fg