U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration expressed openness on Sunday to negotiating a deal with China to ease mounting trade tensions, while also pointing to recent export controls imposed by Beijing as a significant obstacle to further talks.

Vice President JD Vance urged Beijing to “choose the path of reason” amid the escalating trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies, asserting that Trump holds more leverage the longer the conflict continues.

Trump later posted a statement on Truth Social, suggesting a potential off-ramp for Chinese President Xi Jinping, while delivering a veiled warning that a full-scale trade war would harm China.

“Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine! Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment. He doesn’t want Depression for his country, and neither do I. The U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!” Trump wrote.