Talks still possible but not on US terms

Trade talks take time and are full of twists and turns

Chen Fengying, a senior researcher in world economy at the China Institutes of Contemporary International RelationsChen Fengying, a senior researcher in world economy at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations

The time has come for China and the US to reflect on their next moves. That neither side has closed the door to negotiations raises hopes that they can still settle their trade disputes through talks. Given that both countries need to ink a deal to pacify domestic, and even global, public opinions, they have to adopt a cautiously optimistic attitude toward the future course of talks.

The 11 rounds of talks show China will not succumb to the US' "maximum pressure" tactic or yield ground on matters of principle.

China has shown maximum sincerity in making a deal, though the same cannot be said about the US. History tells us that trade negotiations have always taken time. For example, the World Trade Organization accession negotiations lasted 15 years and the Uruguay Round, the 8th round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations within the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, consumed eight years.

Moreover, since negotiations are never without hiccups, China should be prepared for a prolonged round of talks which could be full of twists and turns. Let's hope President Xi and US President Trump meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka and bring good news for the two countries, and the world beyond.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.