US President Donald Trump has refuted China’s claim that no trade talks have taken place to ease the ongoing trade war.
Trump stated that meetings between US and Chinese officials had occurred, including one on the same morning, although he declined to reveal further details.
In contrast, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China and the US had not held consultations or negotiations on tariffs, calling reports of such talks “false news”.
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that lower-level talks and a phone call between US and Chinese staff had taken place that week.
The conflicting statements highlight the strained communication and uncertainty surrounding the trade war, which is adding volatility to global markets and causing economic pain for both countries.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had indicated that tariffs between the US and China would need to be reduced before trade negotiations could proceed.