Trump’s Trade Talks With China Generate Confusion Amid Contradictory Claims**

As President Trump attempts to calm financial markets by claiming active negotiations with China over tariffs, Chinese officials reject these assertions, leading to uncertainty and concerns over the ongoing trade war.**

President Trump, whose ongoing trade conflict with China has caused significant turmoil in global financial markets, claimed on Friday that he has been in contact with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding tariffs. However, Chinese representatives quickly countered these assertions, stating that no discussions are taking place.

In a recent interview with Time magazine, Trump alleged that Xi had called him, despite not specifying when that conversation occurred, and insisted that negotiations were underway. When asked about his statements outside the White House on Friday morning, the president maintained that he had communicated with Xi “numerous times,” but he dodged questions about whether any calls happened following recent tariff implementations.

Trump's remarks seem designed to project an image of progress amidst growing tensions, aiming to reassure jittery investors. Since his inauguration on January 20, the S&P 500 has dropped by 10%, reflecting the heightened anxiety surrounding the strained economic relationship between the two largest economies.

However, Chinese government spokespersons have unequivocally rejected Trump's claims, asserting that there have been no active negotiations concerning tariffs. Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, stated firmly during a news conference that “China and the U.S. have not held consultations or negotiations on the issue of tariffs.” Furthermore, another official from China’s Commerce Ministry mentioned that there are “no economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States.”

Chinese officials argue that the U.S. should refrain from imposing threats and instead engage in a dialogue rooted in mutual respect and equality. This ongoing back-and-forth leaves markets grappling with uncertainty regarding the future of U.S.-China trade relations, exacerbating fears amid an already turbulent economic landscape.