Trump Itching to Make a China Deal

Trump claims the US is in talks with China over tariffs

US President Donald Trump seems to be wavering in his stance towards China. Earlier he was willing to back down a few notches on his threats of imposing 145 percent tariffs, but now seems to be hardening his position again, saying he would not roll them back unless Beijing offered "something substantial" in return. 

But China hasn't even bothered to entertain Trump at all, despite the American president claiming they have been in talks over the phone.

In an interview with Time Magazine this week, Trump claimed "We're meeting with China", adding Chinese leader Xi Jinping had called, though he didn't say when.

Beijing says there has been no talks, period.

Time: Will you call President Xi if he doesn't call you?

Trump: No.

Time: You won't?

Trump: Nope.

Time: Has he called you yet?

Trump: Yep.

Time: When did he call you?

Trump: He's called. And I don't think it's a sign of weakness on his behalf.

Time: But you would think it's a sign of weakness if you called him?

Trump: I don't -- I just look -- 

Time: Well, what did he say?

Trump: If people want to -- well, we all want to make deals. But I am this giant store. It's a giant, beautiful store, and everybody wants to go shopping there. And on behalf of the American people, I own the store, and I set prices, and I'll say, if you want to shop here, this is what you have to pay."

Meanwhile, Reuters asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the Americans had reached out for trade talks.

Spokesman Guo Jiakun replied in part: "China and the US are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs. The US should stop creating confusion."

Who are you going to believe?