WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, spoke amid stalled talks over tariffs.
The discussion Thursday followed Trump suggesting it was tough to reach a deal with Xi.
“I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!,” Trump posted Wednesday on his social media site.
Trade negotiations between the United States and China stalled shortly after a May 12 agreement between both countries to reduce their tariff rates in order to have talks. Behind the gridlock has been the continued competition for an economic edge.
“Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined,” Trump wrote on his social media platform.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will represent the U.S. side in negotiations.
The Republican president also said Xi “graciously” invited him and first lady Melania Trump to China, and Trump reciprocated with his own invitation for Xi to visit the United States.
The Chinese foreign ministry said Trump initiated the call between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies.