China Denies US Trade Talks, Rejects Trump’s Claim

China firmly denied on Saturday any ongoing trade discussions with the United States, contradicting President Donald Trump’s assertion that he had received a call from President Xi Jinping.

In a recent interview, Trump claimed he had spoken with Xi but did not specify when the conversation took place or the topics discussed. "He's called," Trump said, adding, "And I don't think that's a sign of weakness on his behalf."

However, China's Ministry of Commerce had already rejected claims of trade negotiations on Thursday, stating that no such discussions were taking place.

The Chinese embassy in Washington reiterated this stance in a statement posted on WeChat, emphasising, "There have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the United States on tariff issues, let alone any agreement." The statement did not directly address Trump's claim of a call but labelled the U.S. narrative of ongoing trade talks as "misleading."

"It was the U.S. that initiated this trade war," the embassy’s statement added. "If the U.S. genuinely seeks resolution through dialogue, it must first rectify its mistakes, cease its threats and pressure tactics, and fully remove all unilateral tariffs imposed on China."

The trade war between the world's two largest economies has escalated, with Trump imposing tariffs of up to 145 percent on numerous Chinese goods. Trump indicated that he would soon announce new trade agreements with U.S. partners, stating, "There's a number at which they will feel comfortable. But you can't let them make a trillion dollars on us."