China refutes Trump's assertions about Xi-trade discussions; Decline in Chinese marriage rates reported: Daily highlights from SCMP
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📞 Trump's phantom phone call with Xi Jinping fizzles out
Contrary to President Trump's statements that he received a call from Chinese President Xi Jinping, China denies any contact was made. Chinese foreign minister, Guo Jiakun, firmly stated: "Alright, let me put it simply, no call man! China and the US haven't exactly been chatting about tariffs. Got it?"
👨💼 General MIA raises questions in China's inner circle
One of China's high-ranking generals, He Weidong, has once again been a ghost at the top-level gatherings, adding to curiosity about his mysterious disappearances over the last few weeks.
💍 Chinese couples skipping the altar as nuptial numbers fall
As marriage registrations in China continue their gradual decrease, local governments are dangling cash incentives, such as up to 40,000 yuan (around $5,487 USD), in front of young couples, hoping to reignite the flame of matrimony and forestall a potential demographic crisis.
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Enrichment Data
📊 Key Developments- Trump's Claims: President Trump told Time magazine about a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, alleging 200 tariff deals, but details were not provided and timeframe set to three to four weeks[1].- China's Denial: The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically denied Trump's phone call claim, stating no such dialogue took place and no tariff negotiations were ongoing[2][3].- Trade Tensions: Tension remains between the US and China over tariffs, with the US imposing hefty tariffs on imports from China and China responding in kind[3].
💬 ContextTrade relations between the US and China are marked by ongoing discord amid conflicting narratives concerning tariffs and communication between the two countries.
— The lack of clarity over President Trump's claimed phone call with Xi Jinping has raised questions about the state of diplomacy between the U.S. and China in the midst of trade tensions.— The military sphere is abuzz with speculation following the continued absence of General He Weidong, as his disappearance from top-level gatherings has become a focus of intrigue within China's inner circle.— Amidst the economic unrest, stories about Chinese couples shunning marriage are making headlines in the general-news, with some seeing these changes as a reflection of the broader shifts in the country's economy and societal values.— The feud between the world's two largest economies isn't confined only to trade tariffs but also affects the political fabric, with general-news outlets reporting that both countries are resorting to stern statements and denials to assert their positions.— In a bid to counter the dwindling marriage rates, certain Chinese authorities are implementing economic incentives in the form of cash rewards in the hope that the tariff of love will be lowered and the rate of matrimony will rise.
