In a conflicting turn of statements, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that American officials held trade discussions with China earlier in the day, despite Beijing firmly denying that any such talks have occurred.
“We may reveal it later, but they had meetings this morning, and we’ve been meeting with China,” Trump told reporters ahead of a bilateral meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at the White House.
However, when asked for specific names or participants, Trump declined to identify who was involved in the alleged meeting. The U.S. President noted that while trade and business would be part of his talks with Norway, he also emphasized that “Norwegians are a smart nation and great business people.”
China: No talks have taken place
Within hours of Trump’s comments, Chinese officials rejected the claim, stating that no negotiations have taken place on the ongoing trade disputes.
“China and the United States have not held consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue, let alone reached an agreement,” said Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, calling reports of talks “fake news.”
The Chinese commerce ministry also echoed the denial. “Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. economic and trade negotiations are groundless and have no factual basis,” stated He Yadong, ministry spokesperson.
China demands removal of all unilateral tariffs
China reiterated that it is open to resolving trade tensions, but only if the talks are based on mutual respect. Officials urged Washington to eliminate all unilateral tariffs and consider “rational voices from the international community and domestic sectors.”
The exchange follows a Wall Street Journal report suggesting that the Trump administration was considering reducing tariffs on Chinese goods to cool down escalating trade tensions.
Context: A brewing economic standoff
The United States and China, the world’s two largest economies, have been locked in a protracted trade war marked by tit-for-tat tariffs and strained diplomacy. The uncertainty has rattled global markets, disrupted supply chains, and intensified political pressure on both sides.
Whether any real progress is being made behind closed doors remains unclear — especially as both governments issue conflicting statements.
