The standoff over terms of negotiations, and whether they are happening, signals that a protracted economic fight lies ahead.

It was news the rest of the world had been waiting to hear as astonishingly high tariffs - up to 245% on some Chinese exports to the US - throttle trade between the world's two biggest economies, raising the spectre of a recession.

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