CNBC reports that according to a vice president and managing director of a U.S.-based think tank, U.S.-China talks will be “extremely tough sledding,” but reengagement is the correct strategy to take.

Wendy Cutler of the Asia Society Policy Institute’s comments came after U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai on Monday said she is looking forward to negotiations with the Chinese.

Cutler said that China is different from today than it was two years ago before the so-called “phase one” trade deal that was signed with the Trump administration.

Beijing is now very confident and has a “very hardline attitude,” said Cutler who was formerly Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC Affairs.

“It’s going to be tough sledding, but then again, I think Ambassador Tai, by laying out the fact she wants to reengage with China — that is the right strategy for now,” she said.

Cutler said bilateral talks won’t be an easy, clear road toward resolution. Tai seemed to be realistic and recognized that China may reject addressing U.S. concerns, in which case Washington would use other tools to respond, Cutler said.