Trump says XI called him in a report on conflicting U.S.-China tariff negotiations
They still haven't?
President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping “multiple times” but did not say that it was because of whether there had been any exchanges since he imposed serious tariffs on communist countries.
When asked about details about these communications, Trump replied: “I will tell you in due course.”
President Donald Trump spoke to the media in Washington, DC on April 25, 2025 with First Lady Melania Trump. Trump has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping called him, but has not said whether there has been any exchange since he imposed serious tariffs on communist countries. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Trump suggests cutting China taxes from 145%
Trump's latest comments came before he took to the Marines to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.
Trump's tariffs on China have shocked global stock markets and disrupted supply chains, which have surged to 145%, while China responded by placing 125% tariffs on its U.S. imports.
In a new time article published Friday morning, Trump was quoted as saying that Xi Jinping personally called him to discuss trade matters.
“His name. I don't think this is a sign that represents his weakness.
When asked what Xi Jinping said, Trump said: “We all want to make a deal. But I'm this huge store. It's a huge, beautiful store and everyone wants to go shopping there.
Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Ju Peng/xinhua via Getty Image)
China accuses us of passing tariffs at UN meetings to “bully” the world
When asked about trade adviser Peter Navarro, he said: “You have to understand that I'm dealing with all the companies, very friendly countries. “We're meeting with China.” We were good with everyone. But in the end, I made all the deals. ”
The interview took place Tuesday, on the same day Trump publicly stated “the benefits of being with China”, and the final tariff rate for Chinese exports will be lowered from the current 145%.
Trump also told reporters earlier this week that when asked if he interacted with China, “everything was active,” even though his Treasury Secretary had said there were no formal negotiations.
The comments led Beijing to denied on Thursday that any proposal was a proposal to actively negotiate with the government.
“As far as I know, China and the United States have not conducted any consultation or negotiations on tariffs, and fewer agreements have been reached,” Guo Jikun, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said in a daily briefing on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said: “China's position is consistent and we are willing to accept consultations and dialogues, but any form of consultation and negotiation must be based on mutual respect and equality.”
When asked Thursday about China denied any dialogue with the United States, “We may reveal it later, but they held a meeting this morning and we have been meeting with China,” added: “Who are they.”
Trump announced tariffs on China and other countries. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
Click here to get the Fox News app
Trump said on Tuesday that the current 145% of Americans must pay a significant reduction in China's import tax rate.
Although Trump said the speed “will not be zero”, he expressed optimism about a potential trade deal with China.
“One percent, one percent, and not that high,” Trump told the Oval Office reporter. “It will be greatly reduced, but not zero.”
Greg Norman, Bonny Chu and Stephen Sorace of Fox News contributed to the report.
