Trump team pushes for Xi call as trade tensions simmer
Washington and Beijing have traded accusations that each has violated the terms of last month’s broad agreement that saw both sides reduce tariffs from astronomical highs
[WASHINGTON] US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to speak this week, the White House said, as the world’s two largest economies remain locked in trade turmoil.
“I can confirm that the two leaders will likely talk this week,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday (Jun 2). She did not provide a date for what she said was a “potential” call nor guarantee one would occur.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Washington and Beijing have traded accusations that each has violated the terms of last month’s broad agreement that saw both sides reduce tariffs from astronomical highs. The barbs have threatened to undo the fragile truce, which would provoke fresh worries for global markets.
Trump has long said that direct talks with Xi were the only way to resolve differences between the nations, but the Chinese leader has been reluctant to get on the phone with his American counterpart – preferring that advisers negotiate key issues.
The last known conversation between Trump and Xi took place in January before the US president’s inauguration.
Top Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett signalled on Sunday the White House was anticipating a call this week with the Chinese leader.
“President Trump, we expect, is going to have a wonderful conversation about the trade negotiations this week with President Xi. That’s our expectation,” Hassett said on ABC’s This Week.
The US has accused China of reneging on a promise to relax export controls on rare earths needed for cutting-edge electronics. Beijing, in turn, has criticised Washington for its own restrictions of critical jet engine parts, curbs on access to chip-design software, limits on Huawei Technologies chips and a crackdown on student visas. BLOOMBERG
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