China lowers expectations for talks with US, observers say.

China has lowered its expectations for talks with the US and become more defensive, according to observers, who warn that a planned call between the leaders of the two countries offers little prospect of meaningful gains. While both sides still see the need to repair deteriorating ties, Beijing has come to understand that its relationship with the US would not return to its previous state. China watchers said the comment was one of many signs that Beijing could be losing patience and was lowering its expectations for talks between Xi and Biden.