First rare earths, now energy imports from Russia? The U.S. seems to be sending mixed signals about its sincerity in trade talks with China. On July 29, 2025, the two sides wrapped up their two-day talks in Stockholm, Sweden, before the U.S. talked of imposing potential punitive tariffs of up to 500% on those who import energy from Russia. What's really going on? What progress have the latest Stockholm talks achieved in bilateral trade and for the world? What are we to expect next?