Chinese leader Xi Jinping has not spoken to US President Donald Trump on the phone recently, Beijing said Monday, reiterating that no talks are taking place between the two countries to resolve their tariff war. The statement from a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson is an outright rejection of Trump’s claim in an interview with Time magazine last week that Xi had called him, as the world’s two largest economies remain locked in a dispute over sky-high trade levies. “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.” China has maintained its tough public stance on the trade war even as Trump softened his tone last week, saying that astronomical US tariffs on Chinese goods will “come down substantially” and promising to be “very nice” at the negotiating table as he attempts to get Xi to initiate talks. “He’s called. And I don’t think that’s a sign of weakness on his behalf,” Trump said, referring to Xi, in the Time interview published on Friday. Trump, who has repeatedly referred to Xi as a “friend,” did not offer specifics in the Time interview on the content of the purported call with the Chinese leader or when it took place – nor did he elaborate when pressed by CNN on Friday. “I don’t want to comment on that, but I’ve spoken to him many times,” Trump said in response to CNN’s Alayna Treene when leaving the South Lawn at the White House. According to publicly available records, the last time the two leaders spoke by phone was on January 17, days before Trump’s inauguration for his second term. Since last week, Trump has repeatedly said that his administration is talking with Chinese officials to strike a trade deal – only to be met with flat denials from Beijing each time. On Friday, hours before Trump’s interview with Time was published, China’s Foreign Ministry urged the US not to “mislead the public” on trade negotiations between the two sides. Trump’s apparent willingness to deescalate the trade war has been brushed off by Beijing, which has instead demanded the US remove all tariffs on China. Since returning to the White House, Trump has imposed levies of 145% on Chinese goods, though he exempted imports of electronics such as smartphones and computers from his so-called “reciprocal” tariffs. China has raised tariffs on US imports to 125%, but it has also quietly rolled back the levies on some semiconductors made in the United States, according to import agencies, as Beijing tries to soften the blow of the trade war on its all-important tech industry.
China rejects Trump’s claim that Xi has called him by phone
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"China Denies Trump's Claims of Recent Phone Conversation with Xi Jinping"
CNN
7.1
TruthLens AI Summary
The Chinese government has officially denied claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has recently contacted him by phone. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, stated during a press conference that there have been no recent communications between the two leaders, asserting that there are currently no consultations or negotiations occurring regarding the ongoing trade war. This statement directly contradicts Trump's assertions made in a Time magazine interview, where he claimed that Xi had called him, suggesting a potential softening in their standoff over tariffs. The trade tensions have seen both nations imposing heavy tariffs on each other's goods, with Trump recently indicating a willingness to reduce these tariffs, while Beijing has maintained a firm stance, demanding that the U.S. eliminate all tariffs before any discussions can proceed.
Despite Trump's characterization of Xi as a 'friend' and his claims of having spoken to him multiple times, the last documented phone conversation between the two leaders took place on January 17, before Trump's second inauguration. In the interim, Trump has repeatedly stated that his administration is in talks with Chinese officials to negotiate a trade deal, yet these claims have been met with denials from Chinese authorities. Beijing's response to Trump's overtures has been dismissive, with calls for the U.S. to retract existing tariffs, which have reached as high as 145% on various Chinese imports. Meanwhile, China has reciprocated with tariffs of 125% on U.S. products, although it has begun to relax some tariffs on specific U.S. semiconductors in an effort to support its crucial technology sector amidst the ongoing economic tensions. The situation remains complex, with both leaders navigating the delicate balance of diplomacy and national interests as they grapple with the implications of their trade policies.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a significant diplomatic moment, highlighting tensions between the United States and China amid ongoing trade disputes. The Chinese government's denial of a phone call between President Xi Jinping and former President Donald Trump serves as a crucial indicator of the current state of relations between the world's two largest economies.
Motivation Behind the Article
The purpose of this news piece appears to be to clarify and counteract misleading claims made by Trump regarding communication between the two leaders. By asserting that no recent phone call occurred, the Chinese government seeks to reinforce its firm stance on the trade war and diminish any narrative that may suggest a thawing in relations or negotiations.
Public Perception
This report aims to shape public perception by presenting China as steadfast and unyielding in its approach to the trade conflict, in contrast to Trump's fluctuating rhetoric. It may also serve to bolster domestic support for the Chinese leadership by portraying them as strong in the face of external pressures.
Potential Concealments
While the article focuses on the denial of communications, there may be underlying issues or negotiations not disclosed to the public. The stark differences in how both nations are portraying their interactions might indicate that more significant back-channel communications or diplomatic efforts are ongoing, which are not being shared with the public.
Manipulative Elements
The article contains elements of manipulation, primarily through its framing. By emphasizing China's denial and Trump's claims, it subtly positions China as the more reliable actor in the narrative, potentially influencing readers to view U.S. claims with skepticism.
Truthfulness of Claims
The accuracy of the article hinges on the official statements from the Chinese government, which, while credible, are also politically motivated. The lack of independent verification regarding the alleged phone call makes it challenging to fully ascertain the truth of the claims made by either side.
Public Sentiment Targeted
The article seems to resonate more with audiences that are critical of U.S. foreign policy, particularly those in favor of a strong Chinese stance against perceived American aggressions. It may appeal to nationalistic sentiments within China as well.
Economic Impact
The news could influence market sentiments, particularly in sectors sensitive to U.S.-China relations, such as technology and manufacturing. Investors may react negatively to the confirmation of ongoing tensions, affecting stock prices of companies heavily reliant on trade between the two nations.
Global Power Dynamics
This article underscores the delicate balance in global power dynamics, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations. The ongoing trade war remains a pivotal issue that could affect international alliances and economic strategies moving forward.
AI Involvement
It's plausible that AI tools were utilized in generating or optimizing the article's language for clarity and impact. However, the content appears consistent with traditional journalism practices, relying on factual reporting rather than speculative narratives.
Summary of Manipulative Aspects
Manipulation in this context stems from the selective emphasis on statements and the portrayal of both leaders. The article's language may inadvertently paint a picture of U.S. uncertainty and Chinese resolve, which could shape readers' opinions on the broader geopolitical landscape.
Overall, the reliability of the article may be compromised due to the political motivations behind the statements made by both countries. The claims require scrutiny, particularly in light of the ongoing trade negotiations and the complex relationship between the U.S. and China.