Trump's Statement on 'Multiple Conversations with Xi Jinping'... China Says 'No Negotiations'

Conflicting Claims Between Trump and Xi Jinping

China: "If You Want to Solve the Problem, Stop Threatening China"

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that he had multiple conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, China reiterated that there was no agreement between the U.S. and China.

According to foreign media such as China Central Television (CCTV) on the 26th, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. stated in response to a reporter's question, 'Recently, the U.S. side has repeatedly expressed its intention to reach an agreement with China on tariff issues and mentioned that both sides have had conversations. What is China's position on this?' that "the related statements are purely misleading the public."

The spokesperson said, "As far as I know, the U.S. and China have not negotiated or discussed the tariff issue, let alone reached an agreement," demanding that the U.S. take responsibility for its actions. However, he did not specify President Trump's recent remarks.

The spokesperson urged, "If the U.S. truly wants to solve the problem through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop threats and intimidation, completely abolish all unilateral tariff measures against China, and engage in dialogue with China on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit."

Previously, President Trump, while leaving the White House on the 25th (local time) to attend Pope Francis's funeral in Rome, Italy, responded to a reporter's question about whether he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping by saying he had "multiple times."

However, when asked if he had spoken with Xi after imposing tariffs on China, he said, "I don't want to reveal it. But I've talked to him multiple times," adding, "I'll let you know at the appropriate time. We'll see if we can reach an agreement on the tariff issue."

Reporter Park Surim, Hankyung.com paksr365@hankyung.com