(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke Thursday amid rising tensions over trade disputes, according to reports.

The conversation, first reported by Chinese state media outlet Xinhua, comes after the White House confirmed that the pair would soon speak directly earlier this week.

On Wednesday, Trump on social media said it was difficult to reach a deal with Xi.

“I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Both countries have accused the other of violating agreements on trade amid tense tariff negotiations.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China of disrupting the supply chains of India and Europe, and Trump accused China of "totally"

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