WASHINGTON/BEIJING — Under growing domestic and international pressure, the Trump administration appears to be shifting its stance in the ongoing trade war with China. Despite previous insistence that Beijing must make the first move, new reports indicate that Washington has quietly initiated contact to restart stalled negotiations.

White House Reaches Out After Months of Stalemate

Contrary to repeated public statements from President Donald Trump and top officials, U.S. government representatives have approached Beijing through various diplomatic and backchannel avenues, according to China’s state-run broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV). The outreach marks the most significant signal yet that the White House is looking to de-escalate tensions amid growing concern over the trade war’s impact on the global economy.

For months, President Trump insisted that Chinese President Xi Jinping needed to call him directly to initiate tariff talks. As recently as this week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated that it was up to Beijing to take the first step toward easing the standoff. However, reports now suggest that the U.S. has already made discreet moves to bring China back to the table.

Mounting Economic Pressure Forces Rethink

The softening posture comes amid mounting evidence that the trade conflict is beginning to bite both economies. In a Cabinet meeting on April 30, Trump pointed to a noticeable fall in cargo volumes between the two nations, claiming it was proof that Beijing would soon be forced to negotiate. Yet, analysts suggest the slowdown also reflects broader strains on American businesses and consumers as tariffs raise costs and disrupt supply chains.

Behind the scenes, sources say both sides are engaging in “maneuvering” to find a pathway back to dialogue. While neither Washington nor Beijing has publicly confirmed formal talks, the signals suggest growing urgency to prevent further escalation, particularly as global financial markets react nervously to the protracted dispute.

Xi Holds Firm as Beijing Weighs Options

So far, the Chinese government has refused to publicly yield to U.S. pressure, insisting that any negotiations must be conducted on an equal footing. Officials in Beijing have signaled they are prepared for a prolonged standoff but are closely watching signs of economic slowdown at home and abroad.

Diplomatic observers note that while China has remained publicly defiant, both sides share a mutual interest in finding an off-ramp from the increasingly costly conflict. The challenge now lies in crafting a framework that allows both leaders to claim victory at home while stepping back from the brink. (zai)