The Chinese statement said Xi stressed the importance of ties between the two nations and urged the U.S. side to avoid imposing any trade restrictions. "Both sides need to work hard and in the same direction, so as to realize mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation," the Chinese statement said. Trump on Thursday said his relationship with China is "very good" but noted that Russia's war in Ukraine could end if European countries put higher tariffs on China. Cutler of the Asia Society Policy Institute said the Chinese statement indicated Beijing's willingness to "play hardball, and a need to get paid by Washington for any concessions it makes." More trade issues on the tableTop U.S. and Chinese officials have held four rounds of trade talks between May and September, with another likely in the coming weeks.