U.S. President Donald Trump will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping as soon as this week, Trump's spokesperson said, setting up a major diplomatic exchange as the world's two largest economies seek a deal that could avert a broader trade war.

Beijing hit back with its own tariffs and export restrictions after being subjected to levies by President Trump. Trade experts said China appeared to aim for minimal short-term harm while showing the range of its possible responses.

Stephen Miller, President Donald Trump’s far-right White House deputy chief of staff for policy, was among a chorus of administration officials who tried to get their boss to back down on his most extreme tariff threats,