The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied claims of a phone call between Beijing and Washington over the long-standing trade war on Tuesday. However, spokesperson Geng Shuang said China is hopeful that the U.S. will create a conducive atmosphere for high-level talks.

On the sidelines of the G7 summit on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that China called "top trade people" last weekend.

However, Geng said he was "not aware of the phone calls over the weekend." 

"I haven't heard of the calls."

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