editor
Over the weekend, former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking before a crowd of supporters in Florida, claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had recently phoned him.
According to Trump, the conversation was “terrific,” touching on important global issues and hinting at China’s supposed respect for his leadership.
But less than 48 hours later, officials in Beijing are pushing back — hard.
“There has been no recent phone call between President Xi and Mr. Trump,” said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing on Monday. “Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely baseless.”
The sharp tone of China’s denial left little room for ambiguity, highlighting Beijing’s sensitivity to any perception of involvement in American politics. In a tense moment when every word can carry weight, the Chinese government appears determined to set the record straight.
The former president did not offer specifics about when the alleged call occurred, nor did he provide further context. His campaign office has remained silent despite growing media inquiries.
In Washington, the Biden administration also steered clear of the matter, issuing a brief statement that it had “no knowledge” of any communication between Xi and Trump.
The situation has reignited long-standing concerns about misinformation and the role high-profile political figures play in shaping public narratives—especially during election seasons.
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Diplomats and analysts warn that claims like these, even if casually made, can have serious diplomatic consequences.
“Beijing understands that being perceived as favoring one American political party over another could be disastrous for its already strained relations with Washington,” said Dr. Emily Zhang, an international affairs expert based in Shanghai. “China is likely horrified at the idea that anyone might think they’re meddling in U.S. politics.”
Official records show that the last confirmed conversation between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump occurred in late 2020, before the conclusion of Trump’s presidency.
For now, Beijing’s blunt denial seems intended not just to correct the record, but to send a wider message: at a time of deep global uncertainty, even small fabrications can ripple outward, stirring mistrust in places that can least afford it.
