I think what China wants here is some kind of durable agreement that they can base plans on. What they (and unfortunately, we US folks as well) are getting right now is extremely unpredictable. The tariffs are on one week, they’re paused the next, they’re 145% tomorrow, they might be half the next day. Even official deals that Trump negotiated, like USMCA, have the half-life of Iodine-131. What’s the point of negotiating an agreement if it’ll be ripped up or ignored next week? You have to go into a negotiation like this with the understanding that you cause some pain or the deal won’t stick.
I also think China recognizes that Trump negotiations are largely about dominance and Trump’s ability to convey a narrative that he “out-negotiated” the other guy, rather than an attempt to get the optimal deal for the US. When you’re negotiating with someone like that, maintaining “face” (ie preserving your position of respect within the negotiation) isn’t some mysterious Chinese concept: it’s just addressing Trump on his own terms, ie understanding that he only respects strength.
I also think China recognizes that Trump negotiations are largely about dominance and Trump’s ability to convey a narrative that he “out-negotiated” the other guy, rather than an attempt to get the optimal deal for the US. When you’re negotiating with someone like that, maintaining “face” (ie preserving your position of respect within the negotiation) isn’t some mysterious Chinese concept: it’s just addressing Trump on his own terms, ie understanding that he only respects strength.