President Trump spoke by phone to China’s Xi Jinping Thursday in a bid to ease the trade war he started by slapping massive tariffs on products imported from the world’s biggest manufacturing powerhouse.

There were no immediate details of any progress in the call, the two leaders’ first direct talks since Trump returned to the White House for his second term on a mission to reorient global trade relations.

The conversation was confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry, which said Trump initiated the call . The White House did not immediately comment.

The call came hours after Trump called Xi a formidable negotiating rival.

“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 posted on his social media

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