Gao Feng, spokesman for the Chinese commerce ministry, told reporters at a regular briefing on Thursday that the two sides’ economic and trade teams are maintaining close communication. He refused to comment on possible retaliation if the US imposes tariffs on almost 160 billion USD of Chinese imports such as video game consoles, computer monitors and toys on Sunday. If both sides agree to suspend imposing the next tariffs, it would mean a hopeful step toward easing bilateral trade tensions.