China's Xi says ideology work 'absolutely correct' amid trade row criticism

FILE PHOTO: Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects troops at the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison, June 30, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj/File Photo

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's propaganda work has been "absolutely correct" and those who work in the field should be trusted, President Xi Jinping told top officials, amid domestic criticism China has messed up its messaging over a trade dispute with the United States.

The growing trade conflict is causing rifts within China's Communist Party, with some critics saying that an overly nationalistic Chinese stance may have hardened the U.S. position, sources close to the government have said.