President Donald Trump is likely to hold a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said.

Mr Leavitt provided no further details, and there was no immediate confirmation from Beijing.

If the call takes place, the leaders are expected to focus on the ongoing trade dispute.

Although the U.S. and China agreed in mid-May to ease some of their tariffs, tensions between the countries have recently flared up again.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is working on new sanctions against Russia.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the measures would target countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas and other energy supplies, a move that could heavily impact China.

(dpa/NAN)