Possible Clues:

• (Talk of a) conference
• Swear after mate creates a fuss
• Does your friend claim this, in a manner of speaking
• Will your friend claim that it's all talk?
• Chat
• Friend did declare such twaddle
• China, say, making a fuss
• With friend, maintain idle conversation
• Time-consuming business makes friend swear
• Comrade may rave round making a song and dance