Beijing says claims of ongoing US-China trade talks 'groundless'

Beijing said on Thursday any claims of ongoing trade talks with Washington were "groundless" after US President Donald Trump played up the prospects of a deal to lower hefty tariffs he imposed on China.

"As the competent department for foreign economic and trade relations, I would like to emphasise that there are currently no economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States," Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong told a news conference.