Regarding the resumption of trade talks, I am bit surprised at how eager Beijing is. They seem to be pushing hard for the lift of tariffs (I thought that the impact of tariffs was already adjusted for by now), and are trying to put as positive a spin as they can.

Mostly, I think China feels trade is the best way to reduce tensions with the US without losing face in the areas that it really cares about (XJ, HK, TW) and if trade can be settled, China will face reduced pressure while it tries to grow and catch up.