Despite claims earlier today by U.S. President Donald J. Trump that he has been in contact with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding trade negotiations, and that active talks were ongoing between China and the United States; the Chinese Foreign Ministry denies that such talks have taken place, with Spokesman Guo Jiakun adding, “China and the U.S. have not held consultations or negotiations on the issue of tariffs. The United States should not confuse the public.”