The United States and China could reach a deal to end the protracted trade war by the end of this year or early next year, experts believe. “There is still very strong interest in China to reconcile with the US,” said Assoc Prof Li Mingjiang of the RSIS. “They understand that it’s premature for Beijing to confront and challenge the US,” he said at the annual Straits Times Global Outlook Briefing on Wednesday, adding that if current trade tensions continue, it will worsen every aspect of their bilateral ties.