According to a commentary by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua, there could be “new uncertainties” in the final stage of the China-U.S. trade negotiations and China should do its best while preparing for the worst.

“Trade talks will be harder at the final stage, and new uncertainties can’t be ruled out. There needs to be a sober mind about the fact that the China-U.S. trade frictions are long-term, complicated and arduous,” Xinhua wrote Monday.

Xinhua said, the latest round of negotiations between China and the U.S showed that the two sides have some gaps that need a longer time to fill at this critical stage.

“Every step in the next phase is particularly crucial,” Xinhua said, calling on both nations to meet half way. “But we also need to prepare for the worst-case scenario, and take care of our own business in a down-to-earth way,” Xinhua said.