China says US initiated latest call between the two leaders

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday that the most recent phone call between the Chinese and US heads of state was initiated by the US and described the tone as "positive, friendly, and constructive".

Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Mao said that since Trump's second term began, the two heads of state have maintained regular exchanges.

"As I have learned, this call was initiated by the US side," Mao said. "The atmosphere was very positive, friendly and constructive. The two heads of state communicated on issues of common concern, and such communication is important for the stable development of China–US relations."

When asked about the phone call between US and Japanese leaders on Tuesday, Mao said that the communication between the US and Japanese leaders is a matter between the two countries.

"I have no comment on it," she said.

As for the Taiwan question, the spokeswoman stressed that it is China's internal affair and does not tolerate any interference by any external forces.