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.

China said Friday it was weighing starting talks with the U.S. to halt the trade war. A Chinese spokesperson said “China is currently evaluating” messages from U.S. officials that “expressed their willingness to negotiate.