Uncertainty about when – or whether – the two will speak could reflect their different approach to the US-China relationship.

China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday urged Washington to engage in discussions on trade. “What is needed now is not unilateral, additional tariffs but dialogue and consultation based on equality and mutual respect,

Trump told reporters that he's in "no rush" to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, despite escalating trade wars and previous claims to the contrary.