China says it is “currently assessing” proposals by the United States to begin trade talks, in a subtle tone shift that could open the door for negotiations.

China said it is evaluating U.S. officials’ willingness to negotiate trade talks, giving a spark of hope for de-escalating the trade war between the world’s largest two economies.

China said Friday it was weighing starting talks with the U.S. to halt the trade war. A Chinese spokesperson said “China is currently evaluating” messages from U.S. officials that “expressed their willingness to negotiate.