On Sept. 11, US President Donald Trump posted a message on social media, saying that at the request of China and due to the fact that the People’s Republic of China will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Oct. 1, that his administration has agreed, as a gesture of goodwill, to postpone the increased tariffs on $250 billion worth of goods until Oct. 15. This gesture of goodwill is a step in the right direction, helping create the conditions necessary for trade talks to progress.

The gesture of goodwill came just hours after Beijing extended an olive branch to Washington. China on Wednesday unveiled the first set of US goods to be excluded from the first round of additional tariffs on US products.

American media responded quickly to this gesture of goodwill to China. The New York Times reported that the gesture might help to mend the damaged ties between the world’s two biggest economies and that the move comes as trade talks between the United States and China have stagnated, leading to stock market volatility and consternation among businesses that have paid higher prices to import and export goods. The report also said that the announcement could allow negotiators to meet ahead of the next round of tariffs, raising the potential for that increase to be averted.

Since the start of trade frictions between the two sides, rational voices have agreed that a peaceful and harmonious bilateral relationship between China and the United States is a win-win situation for both sides and for the world. The two sides are trying to find a way out of the current deadlock, but they must overcome mutual suspicions and build stronger mutual trust. There is no doubt that China and the United States are deeply connected and that the bilateral relationship is one of the world’s most vital economic relationships. Thus, this makes it extremely important for the two sides to find ways to advance rational discussion based on mutual trust.

Goodwill comes from rationality, and rationality cannot be absent at any time. There are challenges everywhere, but with wisdom, benevolence, righteousness, and courage, there is no reason to fear them. At this crucial moment in the bilateral relationship, it is important for both sides to have this positive spirit and to work together in good faith to resolve their economic and trade issues. It is important to create the right conditions for talks to progress. This is good for China and the United States and for the world.