Chinese officials have long used their willingness to cooperate to stem the flow of fentanyl to the United States as leverage in talks over broader disputes.

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.

After three months of bluster and huge tariffs on both sides, Beijing and the Trump administration are softening their language on holding negotiations.