#USChinaTensions Beijing portrays itself as open to multilateral dialogue—“tearing down walls” to forge trade alliances—while warning against unilateral U.S. pressure tactics. Washington maintains that the “ball is in China’s court” for substantive negotiations, though it has ruled out tariff rollbacks without verifiable commitments from Beijing. Economists forecast that if tensions deepen, China’s central bank may favor targeted stimulus measures over broad rate cuts, balancing growth support with yuan stability. For now, each side appears intent on maintaining leverage, leaving prospects for de‑escalation uncertain and the broader international order hanging in the balance.