Trump: China Called, and 'They Want to Make a Deal'

President Trump is beginning the new week with positive words about China and leader Xi Jinping, after last week ended with acrimony and market tumult. Trump told reporters at the G-7 summit that Chinese officials called and "they want to make a deal," reports the Wall Street Journal. "That's a great thing." Trump added that "we are going to start talking very seriously," per MarketWatch. He also called Xi a "great leader," though on Friday he referred to him as an "enemy," notes the New York Times. "Great respect for the fact that President Xi & his Representatives want 'calm resolution,'" Trump tweeted. "So impressed that they are willing to come out & state the facts so accurately. This is why he is a great leader & representing a great country. Talks are continuing!"

Dow futures were up more than 100 points Monday morning on the upbeat language from the president, reports CNN. The index fell more than 600 points Friday. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry said he was unaware of any call to the US. “What I can tell you is that the trade disputes between China and the US should be resolved through dialogue,” he said, adding that new tariffs from Washington were a “grave violation of the leaders’ consensus.” Trump's new comments come after a weekend in which he initially said he was having "second thoughts" about the trade war with China. However, the White House quickly followed up by saying the president's only regret was that he hadn't raised tariffs more. (More President Trump stories.)