Did they do it or didn’t?
President Donald Trump told White House reporters on Friday “multiple times” with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but he refused to tell them whether those communications have happened since imposing strict tariffs on communist countries.
In search of details of these communications, Trump replied, “We’ll let you know at the right time.”
President Donald Trump will speak to the media along with First Lady Melania Trump, who will be leaving the White House in Washington, DC on April 25, 2025. Trump had not said if any of those communications had happened since Chinese President Xi Jinping called him but imposed strict tariffs on communist countries. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Trump suggests “substantially” reductions in China’s tariffs from 145%
Trump’s latest comments came days and days between the countries about whether he would discuss reducing tariffs in person after he traveled to Rome before boarding Marines for Pope Francis’ funeral, and whether Trump and XI spoke directly to each other after the tariffs were unfolded.
Trump’s tariffs on China, which rattled global stock markets and beat the supply chain, have swelled to 145% while responding to US imports by slapping 125% tariffs.
Newly released time Trump, an article published Friday morning, is quoted as saying that Xi personally called him to discuss trade issues.
“He’s called. And I don’t think it’s a sign of weakness on his behalf,” Trump is quoted as saying without providing details about the timing or content of the call.
When asked what Xi said, Trump said, “We all want to do business. But I’m this huge store. It’s a huge and beautiful store, and everyone wants to go shopping there.
President of China XI Jinping. (Ju Peng/Xinhua via Getty Images)
China has denounced the world “bullying” with tariffs at UN conference
“You have to understand, I deal with all the companies, very friendly countries,” he said. When asked about trade adviser Peter Navarro, he said 90 transactions could be made in 90 days. “We’re meeting China. We’re doing well with everyone. But in the end, I did all the deal.”
The Time Interview took place on Tuesday, with Trump saying things are “going well in China” on the same day. China’s final tariff rate It’s “effectively” down from the current 145%.
Trump also told reporters earlier in the week that his Treasury Secretary had said there were no formal negotiations, but when asked if he was involved with China, he told reporters “everything is active.”
Those comments led to Beijing on Thursday, denying the proposal that it was in aggressive negotiations with the administration.
“For everything I know, China and the US have not yet reached a transaction, but have not yet reached a transaction,” Guo Zi-Kun, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, said in a daily briefing on Thursday.
“China’s position is consistent and we are open to consultations and dialogue, but we need to carry out all forms of consultations and negotiations in a mutual respect and equal way,” his Yadong said.
Asked on Thursday about his denial of China’s conversation with the US, Trump added, “We may reveal that later, but they will hold a meeting this morning and we don’t care who they are.”
Trump has announced tariffs in China and other countries. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
Click here to get the Fox News app
Trump said Tuesday that a heavier tax rate for 145% Americans would now have to significantly cut China’s imports.
Trump said the rate would “not go to zero,” but he expressed optimism about a potential trade deal with China.
“145% is very high, not too high,” Trump told reporters in the oval office. “It’s going to drop significantly, but not zero.”
Greg Norman, Bonny Chu and Stephen Sorace of Fox News contributed to this report.
