On Tuesday, as per a statement from China’s Commerce Ministry, top trade negotiators from the United States and China have held a phone call to try and hammer out a preliminary “phase one” trade deal.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He spoke with U.S. Trade representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Issued discussed by them revolved around a phase one deal; both countries agreed to maintain communication on remaining issues on phase one talks, said the ministry.

They also discussed “core issues of concern” and reached “a common understanding on resolving relevant problems,” it said.

Although trade experts had expected the phase one deal to be completed by November, sources close to the White House have said last week, it is likely to slide into 2020.

According to lawmakers and trade experts, a more ambitious “phase two” trade deal between the two looks dim at the moment.

China is facing increasing pressure over its handling of pro-democracy activists in Hon Kong.

There has been heightened tensions on various fronts between Beijing and Washington, with China summoning U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad on Monday to protest against the passage in the U.S. Congress of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.

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