China has said it's evaluating approaches from US officials to start negotiations about tariffs, a potential deescalation in the trade war that has raised hopes formal trade talks could start soon. "If we fight,

The standoff over terms of negotiations, and whether they are happening, signals that a protracted economic fight lies ahead.

Officials in Beijing said they want the Trump administration to “show sincerity,” as it evaluates efforts by the U.S. to start trade negotiations.