China's Xi held phone call with Trump: State media

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday (Jun 5) held talks with US President Donald Trump by phone, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The call was made on Trump's request, Xinhua added, without providing further details about the leaders' conversation. It comes as Washington and Beijing clash over areas such as trade and student visas.

The White House earlier raised expectations of a phone call, with its spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt saying on Monday that Trump would likely speak with Xi this week to iron out differences over last month's tariff agreement in Geneva, including the handling of critical minerals.

But early Wednesday, Trump appeared to dampen hopes for a quick resolution.

"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 on his Truth Social platform.

Asked about the remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing's "principles and stance on developing Sino-US relations are consistent".

China was the biggest target of Trump's April tariff blitz, hit with additional levies of 145 per cent on its goods as both sides engaged in tit-for-tat escalation. China's countermeasures on US goods reached 125 per cent.

Both sides agreed to temporarily lower rates in May, while Trump delayed most sweeping measures on other countries until Jul 9.

Amid a flurry of negotiations, so far, only a deal with the UK has materialised.