The Chinese government issued a sharp denial after Donald Trump claimed President Xi Jinping recently called him to discuss tariffs.
China strongly denies Donald Trump’s claim of recent phone call with president Xi
On Monday, China flatly denied Donald Trump’s claim that President Xi Jinping had contacted him regarding U.S.–China trade tariffs.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed no recent communication between the two leaders had taken place.
“As far as I know, there has been no recent phone call between the two heads of state,” Guo Jiakun told a regular news conference. “I want to reiterate that China and the United States are not engaged in consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue.”
The remarks directly refuted Trump’s statement made during a Time magazine interview last week.
Trump continues to insist that Xi reached out about tariffs despite public rebuttal from Beijing
During an interview on April 25, Donald Trump claimed President Xi had called him recently, though he provided no specific details.
“He’s called. And I don’t think that’s a sign of weakness on his behalf.” Trump told Time in the published piece.
Later, he repeated the claim without offering evidence, refusing to confirm the timing or substance of the supposed discussion.
When pressed by CNN, Trump declined to clarify further: “I don’t want to comment on that, but I’ve spoken to him many times.”
Public records show their last confirmed phone call took place in January, before Trump’s presidential inauguration.
Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff blitz sparked retaliation and escalation from China
On April 2, dubbed ‘Liberation Day’ by Trump, the administration announced sweeping new global tariffs, especially targeting Chinese imports.
The U.S. imposed 25% duties on Chinese goods, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs reaching a combined total of 54%.
China then escalated by levying additional tariffs on U.S. goods, including farm products, crude oil, and agricultural machinery.
Beijing raised tariffs on all U.S. imports to 125%, while reducing exports of rare earth minerals crucial to U.S. industries.
In response, Trump hiked tariffs on Chinese goods to an unprecedented 245%, pausing planned increases for other nations.
Both sides are firmly entrenched as tensions over tariffs show no sign of easing
Despite softer rhetoric in recent interviews, Trump reaffirmed his belief that China must “make a deal” or risk exclusion.
“They’re going to be very nice, and we’ll see what happens,” he said at a press event on April 22.
However, China’s official line remains defiant.
They stated they are “ready to fight till the end” in the ongoing tariff conflict.
The economic standoff has strained U.S.–China relations, affecting trade, markets, and international supply chains on both sides.
Beijing has made it clear that no negotiations will occur unless conditions change dramatically or Trump’s demands ease.
China’s Public Pushback May Undermine Trump’s Tariff Victory Narrative as 2024 Campaign Heats Up
As Trump campaigns on economic nationalism, his claims of tariff success are crucial to his 2024 presidential message.
However, China’s official denial could undercut his narrative of leadership strength and personal diplomacy with President Xi.
Critics argue that the absence of concrete evidence supporting recent talks weakens Trump’s credibility in matters of international affairs and trade.
They believe this undermines trust in his ability to handle global negotiations. Despite the criticism, Trump continues to portray tariffs as a patriotic measure aimed at revitalizing American industry.
He also positions them as a strategic response to counter China’s economic rise.
This escalating tension could become a central issue in both his reelection campaign and the future of U.S.–China economic relations.