As global markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments, recent remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump have reignited attention on the turbulent US-China relationship. In an exclusive interview published by Time Magazine on April 25, Trump stated that negotiations with China could begin within “the next three to four weeks.” Yet, China’s official response has flatly contradicted that timeline, raising concerns over communication breakdowns between the world’s two largest economies.
A Telephone Call, But No Talks?
Trump told Time that a phone call had already taken place with Chinese President Xi Jinping, suggesting that it was initiated by China. He was quick to clarify that the call should not be seen as a sign of weakness on China’s part. “He called. I don’t think that’s a weakness on his behalf,” Trump said.
This diplomatic framing paints a hopeful picture of resumed negotiations on tariffs and broader trade issues. However, the optimism was short-lived.
Just hours after the interview was made public, the Chinese Embassy in Washington released a starkly different narrative. Citing statements from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Reuters reported that “China and the U.S. are not engaging in any consultations or negotiations regarding tariffs.” The statement went further, urging the U.S. to “stop creating confusion.”
US-China A Mismatch in Messaging
This contradiction underscores the fragile nature of current U.S.-China relations. While the American side appears keen to present the image of pending dialogue, China’s tone remains firm, dismissing any suggestion that negotiations are in motion.
The inconsistency between the two governments’ messages has introduced another layer of ambiguity into global markets already on edge over inflation, interest rates, and regional conflicts.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin—the leading cryptocurrency often seen as a hedge against macro uncertainty—is trading at $95,213, a level not seen since February. This price action may partly reflect investor unease amid diplomatic volatility.
According to Turkish NY Radio, the latest episode is a reminder of how fragile and performative modern diplomacy can be. What is presented to domestic audiences may differ substantially from the behind-the-scenes reality.
Sources:
- Time Magazine Interview – April 25, 2025: time.com
- Reuters China-U.S. Relations Coverage: reuters.com
- CoinMarketCap Bitcoin Price Data: coinmarketcap.com
