Trump claims, China denies

In a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, the claim that the parties are in negotiations regarding tariffs was described as "completely misleading."

The statement noted, "China and the U.S. have not held any consultations or negotiations on tariffs, let alone reached an agreement."

U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Time magazine yesterday and subsequently in remarks to reporters before attending the funeral of Pope Francis, had claimed that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding tariffs, stating that the details would be announced at an appropriate time.

China had reacted to the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2 and had responded in kind. Following the tariff standoff between the two countries, the U.S. increased its customs tariffs on China to 145 percent, while Beijing raised its own to 125 percent.

While the Washington administration postponed the reciprocal tariffs it imposed on other countries for 90 days, those directed at China had already gone into effect.

TRUMP'S 'ACTIVE TALKS' CLAIM

U.S. President Trump spoke about the customs tariff dispute between the U.S. and China during a signing ceremony held in the Oval Office on April 23, stating that "talks are active" with China on this issue.

Spokespersons for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had made statements yesterday denying Trump's claim.

Despite this, the U.S. President had reiterated his claim that negotiations were continuing.

The Beijing administration had accused Washington of misleading the public regarding the negotiations.