PRESIDENT TRUMP CLAIMS CHINA'S XI JINPING CALLED HIM ABOUT TARIFFS DESPITE DENIALS FROM BEIJING

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has asserted that Chinese President Xi Jinping reached out to him personally regarding the ongoing trade dispute between the two nations, contradicting official denials from Beijing that any such communication took place.

In an interview with TIME Magazine conducted on April 22 and published Friday, Trump claimed to have received a call from the Chinese leader, though he did not specify when this alleged conversation occurred or what was discussed.

"He's called," Trump told the magazine. "And I don't think that's a sign of weakness on his behalf."

This claim stands in direct opposition to statements from Chinese officials. He Yadong, spokesman for China's Commerce Ministry, explicitly refuted any suggestion of ongoing dialogue during a Thursday press briefing: "I would like to emphasize that there are currently no economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States."

The contradictory statements come amid an intensifying trade conflict between the world's two largest economies. Trump's administration has implemented tariffs reaching 145 percent on many Chinese products, triggering retaliatory measures from Beijing.

Despite the apparent communication breakdown, Trump expressed optimism about forthcoming trade agreements. "I would say, over the next three to four weeks, and we're finished, by the way," he said, suggesting imminent deals with U.S. trading partners.

The president also indicated he believes there is a threshold China will eventually accept. "There's a number at which they will feel comfortable," Trump said. "But you can't let them make a trillion dollars on us."

Economic analysts remain concerned that the escalating tariff battle could potentially trigger a global recession as markets continue to react nervously to each development in the dispute.