By Kevin Yao BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese policymakers on Monday sought to assuage concerns the broad U.S. tariffs could derail efforts to shore up a fragile economic recovery, even as analysts warn the hefty levies raise the risk of a sharp downturn in growth.

The developments came as China has struck a publicly defiant tone and Trump sowed confusion by claiming that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which Beijing denied.