Trump Claims Trade Talks With China ongoing, Beijing Denies

WASHINGTON (AP) — despite a ⁢firm denial from Beijing, former ⁢U.S. President⁢ Donald Trump insisted trade negotiations with China‌ are underway. The ‌conflicting accounts surfaced ‌during a meeting​ with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Trump’s Assertion of U.S.-China Contact

when questioned about the status of discussions,trump stated,”Well,they had a meeting this morning and‌ we met China.” He suggested further details would be forthcoming.”That ⁣was probably reported,” Trump told the questioner.

The previous day, Trump claimed the U.S. ⁤and China maintained daily contact. ⁤Responding ⁣too a ‍journalist’s inquiry about ⁣direct engagement⁤ regarding ⁢the trade⁢ conflict,trump affirmed,”Yes,of course. And every day,​ every day.”

China’s ‌rejection of⁢ Negotiations

China refuted Trump’s claims. A spokesman for the Beijing Ministry⁣ of Foreign Affairs told reporters,”As far as I know,there were no consultations or negotiations between China ‍and the United States in the customs⁤ question – let alone an agreement.” The spokesman dismissed reports of ongoing talks as “fake news.”

Hopes for ‌Future Dialog

According to media reports, then-Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism that both nations were willing to​ engage⁢ in future discussions. Bessent reportedly stated he did not believe either side considered the existing tariff levels to be⁤ a permanent solution.