Trump speaks with Xi amid stalled talks between U.S., China over tariffs

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had declared that it was difficult to reach a deal with China’s President Xi Jinping. File | Photo Credit: Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke on Thursday (June 5, 2025) at a time when stalled tariff negotiations between their two countries have roiled global trade.

The conversation was reported by Xinhua, a Chinese state media outlet. The White House did not immediately comment.

Mr. Trump had declared one day earlier that it was difficult to reach a deal with Mr. 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!!!” Mr. Trump posted Wednesday (June 4, 2025) on his social media site.

Trade negotiations between the United States and China stalled shortly after a May 12 agreement between the two countries to reduce their tariff rates while talks played out. Behind the gridlock has been the continued competition for an economic edge.

Published - June 05, 2025 07:13 pm IST