Trump says U.S. held trade talks with China but Beijing dismisses claims

U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. and China held talks on Thursday to resolve the trade war between the world's two largest economies.

However, China rebutted the claims, calling it fake news, and said no talks have taken place.

Lee Seung-jae has more.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. and China held trade talks earlier in the morning, in order to resolve the trade war between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the contents of the trade talks may be revealed later, but did not elaborate further.

Trump had suggested the day before that the U.S. was "actively" negotiating with China, raising hopes that a deal to "substantially" lower tariffs on Chinese imports could be imminent.

Those remarks resulted in a stock market boost.

However,.. Beijing refuted Trump's claims of trade talks between the world's two largest economies.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Trump's claims are "fake news."

"This is fake news. As far as I know, China and the United States have not held consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue, let alone reached an agreement. This tariff war was initiated by the United States, and China's attitude is consistent and clear. If you want to fight, we will fight to the end; if you want to talk, the door is open. Dialogue and negotiation must be equal, respectful, and mutually beneficial."

While Trump had told reporters that talks were happening between the two countries, his treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, said no formal negotiations had taken place.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.