AsianFin -- China firmly rejected claims that it has initiated any outreach to the United States regarding trade negotiations on Thursday, dismissing as "fake news" reports suggesting diplomatic progress. This denial came despite recent indications from U.S. President Donald Trump that he might ease some of the steep tariffs imposed since his January inauguration.

At a press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun was asked directly whether trade talks between the world's two largest economies had commenced—following Trump's assertion about ongoing Washington-Beijing communications. Guo responded unequivocally: "All of this is fake news."

Trump's apparent softening on tariff policy has fueled market speculation about potential trade war de-escalation. Earlier this year, his administration raised tariffs on $360 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25%, prompting Beijing to retaliate with duties on American agricultural products, vehicles, and energy exports. However, both nations have since signaled willingness to negotiate—albeit with conflicting narratives emerging from their official statements.