China and the United States agreed on Sunday to a preliminary framework deal after two days of talks in Kuala Lumpur, signalling a de-escalation of tensions in the lead-up to a potential meeting between the presidents of the world’s two largest economies.

The talks in the Malaysian capital, led by Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, came on the heels of a fresh surge of tensions in the volatile bilateral relationship and ahead of the November 10 expiration of a temporary tariff truce.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang said a “preliminary consensus” was reached, and that it would be sent for approval by both sides domestically.

He described the US side as “tough” and the Chinese side as “firm” in the “in-depth” talks.

Both Beijing and Washington “believe a stable China-US relationship is good for both sides”, Li said.

Separately, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said: “We spent a lot of time last night. We spent a lot of time this morning. Talked about a framework. I think we’re moving towards the final details of the type of agreement that the leaders can review and decide if they want to do it together.”

Both Li and Greer called the discussions “constructive”.