It’s a set piece, as predictable as the Beijing Opera: A rumor, confirmed by company insiders, followed by a denial, followed by – who knows. The Jaguar Land Rover flirt with China’s Great Wall enters stage 2: Never heard of it.

Great Wall Motor’s Company Secretary Xu Hui said it’s news to him that Tata Motors’ Jaguar and Land Rover would be in any flirtations with his company, and he’s completely unaware of Jaguar senior executives having visited Great Wall’s Motor’s factories.

A high level source at Great Wall had said that their company was currently in discussions with Jaguar Land Rover. He also confirmed the visit. Another source said that preliminary negotiations are completed, and everything is waiting for the signatures.

A spokesman for JLR parent Tata had said that Jaguar is interested in producing automobiles in China and is currently in talks with potential partners.

Remember, there is nearly always a stage three to this opera: The who knows.