U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping called him regarding the ongoing trade dispute, despite Beijing’s denial of any direct contact between the two countries.
In an interview with TIME magazine on April 22, published on April 25, Trump did not specify when the call occurred or provide details on the discussion.
“He’s called,” Trump said, asserting that the communication was not a sign of weakness on Xi’s part. This statement contrasts with a recent remark from Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong, who emphasized that “there are currently no economic and trade negotiations between China and the U.S.”
The trade war between the U.S. and China has escalated with Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods, which have reached 145% on many products. Trump indicated that he plans to announce deals with U.S. trading partners in the coming weeks.
“I would say, over the next three to four weeks, and we’re finished, by the way,” he said, suggesting that negotiations with China would reach a conclusion soon.
Trump reiterated that his tariff measures are designed to address unfair trade practices and bolster U.S. manufacturing, although they have caused market instability and raised concerns about a potential global recession.
