In a bold statement that reignited diplomatic debate, former US President Donald Trump claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping recently called him, and that he has already finalized 200 global trade deals, many of which allegedly involve China. The comments, made during a campaign-style event and reiterated in an exclusive media interview, are being viewed as part of Trump’s broader messaging on what his second term could bring for global trade and U.S. leadership.
However, Beijing firmly denied the claim, saying no such communication has taken place, and that there are no ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Washington for “creating unnecessary confusion” and urged restraint in spreading misinformation.
Trump’s Trade Deal Boast Raises Eyebrows
Speaking from a rally in Florida, Trump declared:
“President Xi called me personally. We talked about big things, tremendous things. We’ve already made 200 trade deals around the world — some of the best ever — and China will be part of it.”
Trump’s remarks appeared to signal a shift in tone, contrasting sharply with his past hardline approach on China during his first term. He has framed these so-called deals as a foundation for reviving American manufacturing and reshaping global trade balances.
China Responds: No Contact, No Talks
In response to Trump’s claims, Chinese officials swiftly issued a statement, denying any active communication with the former U.S. president and rejecting reports of any new trade negotiations.
“There have been no talks, no calls, and no progress on tariff-related or economic agreements,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. “We advise the U.S. side to stop creating confusion and focus on constructive diplomacy.”
This strong rebuttal from Beijing reflects ongoing diplomatic friction and underscores the delicate nature of U.S.-China relations as the world’s two largest economies continue to compete across multiple sectors.
Implications for Trump’s Second Term
Trump has made trade policy a centerpiece of his 2025 presidential campaign. His emphasis on renegotiating global trade agreements and reining in China's influence plays well with his base and fuels his "America First" narrative.
The claimed 200 trade deals, though lacking verification, are being used to bolster his reputation as a dealmaker and a strategic leader on the international stage. Whether these deals exist or not, they serve as a symbolic reminder of Trump’s aggressive approach to foreign policy.
Analysts React: Fact or Fiction?
Experts have expressed skepticism about Trump’s claims:
-
Emily Langston, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic Trade, said:
“We’ve seen similar rhetoric before. These so-called 200 deals are likely not formalized agreements. There's no evidence any deals have been signed or ratified.” -
Others note that a lack of documentation or confirmation from international partners, particularly China, calls the legitimacy of the deals into question.
Current State of US-China Trade Relations
As of now, U.S.-China trade talks remain stalled, and tariffs established during the Trump administration are largely still in place. Efforts by the Biden administration to stabilize relations through high-level diplomatic meetings have not led to any breakthrough agreements.
The new claims from Trump may further complicate these efforts, especially if perceived as attempts to undermine the sitting administration’s policies.
Final Word
The claim that Donald Trump received a phone call from Xi Jinping and successfully negotiated 200 global trade deals has added fuel to an already contentious debate over U.S.-China relations. As Trump campaigns for a potential return to the White House, such declarations are likely to become more frequent — and more scrutinized.