Trump Claims Chinese President Called, China Says No

Tensions between the US and China flared again on Friday, with both sides offering starkly different accounts of ongoing tariff negotiations. President Donald Trump claimed in an interview with TIME magazine that talks with Beijing were underway, even asserting that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him directly. China swiftly denied any such discussions, accusing the US of “creating confusion.”

The mixed messages have deepened global uncertainty over trade policy, just as world finance leaders wrap up the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Washington. While US officials speak of swift progress, many international counterparts remain sceptical. IMF chiefs warn that the lack of clarity could put jobs and global growth at risk.

Signs of de-escalation have emerged, with China easing some tariffs on US goods. Yet Trump’s unpredictable stance, including threats of further duties, continues to rattle markets. Analysts say this chaos leaves key economies scrambling for clarity amid rising global stakes.