TRUMP, XI TALK ABOUT TRADE DEAL, HONG KONG, N KOREA

› Had a very good talk with President Xi of China concerning our giant Trade Deal. Also talked about North Korea, where we are working with China, & Hong Kong. DONALD TRUMP, US president

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump spoke on Friday with Chinese President Xi Jinping and claimed progress between the two governments on issues that have divided them, from trade to North Korea and Hong Kong.

The two leaders spoke a week after their envoys sealed a “Phase 1” agreement aimed at ending an 18-month trade war that has rattled markets and raised tensions.

Trump announced the phone call in a tweet. A White House official said they spoke on Friday morning. China Central Television said Xi spoke to Trump at the request of the US president.

“Had a very good talk with President Xi of China concerning our giant Trade Deal. China has already started large scale purchase of agricultural product & more. Formal signing being arranged. Also talked about North Korea, where we are working with China, & Hong Kong (progress!),” Trump tweeted.

China said on Friday its relationship with the US had experienced serious difficulties, but that the two countries should work in accordance with the consensus reached by their leaders to push forward a stable bilateral relationship. Chinese vice foreign minister Le Yucheng made the comment at a meeting with Biegun, according to a statement from the ministry. The two officials exchanged views on North Korea and China reiterated its stance that it will safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests.