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.

China said it is "currently evaluating" U.S. proposals to start trade talks, opening the door to negotiations between Beijing and Washington for the first time since tariffs between the two began escalating.