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.

China's leaders have shrugged off the potential impact from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war, saying they have the tools needed to protect jobs and limit damage from higher tariffs on Chinese exports.