China said it is “evaluating” repeated approaches by senior US officials to start trade talks, but insisted negotiations can only begin if Washington removed tariffs first. If

Certain American chips are essential for cars and other industrial goods made in China—a vulnerability revealed in tariff exemptions pushed by Beijing.

At the time of writing, the US has not denied China's claims that it has been attempting to initiate talks. But the fact that both sides have now made that assertion indicates there is "some sort of contact", according to Mr Chong.