Washington, April 5 -- President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. and China are "rounding the turn" in a lengthy negotiation over trade and predicted that "something monumental" for both countries could be announced in a matter of weeks.

"We have a ways to go but not very far," Trump said during an Oval Office appearance with both countries' negotiating teams.

Vice Premier Liu He, China's top trade negotiator, agreed, telling Trump that "because of your direct involvement, we do have great progress." The talks resume Friday.

China and the U.S. are working to end a standoff that has shaken financial markets and darkened the outlook for the world economy.

The U.S. and Chinese negotiators on Wednesday began their ninth round of t...