Trump Claims Xi Called Him Amid Conflicting Signals on Tariff Talks
Donald Trump has said that his administration is holding meetings with Chinese officials and that Chinese President Xi Jinping has personally called him—despite Beijing’s assertion that no tariff negotiations are currently underway.
In an interview with Time magazine, the US president said: “He’s called. And I don’t think that’s a sign of weakness on his behalf.”
Trump also claimed to have brokered “200 deals” so far, which he said would become evident within the next three to four weeks.
“You have to understand, I’m dealing with all the companies, very friendly countries,” he added. “We’re meeting with China. We’re doing fine with everybody. But ultimately, I’ve made all the deals.”
Trump suggested that maintaining tariffs of 20% or more over the next year would amount to a “total victory,” arguing that such a scenario would significantly boost US revenues.
“Look, that’s what China did to us. They charge us 100%,” he said. “If you look at India — India charges 100–150%. If you look at Brazil, if you look at many, many countries, they charge — that’s how they survive. That’s how they got rich.”
He concluded by saying the US had been unfairly burdened in global trade: “We were carrying other countries on our back with horrible trade numbers, and we’ve changed it.”
