No opposition morons are not really seen as tradeable bargaining chips.
Once the hammer is down, there is no let up, otherwise all previous efforts would be for naught.
The days when letting up on dissident were used as a bargaining chip or sign or accommodation are over. You are NOT going to see any secretary of state bringing home a bling lawyers.
The last 4 years of Trump has changed everything. China is now a peer competitor, and I don't seem themselves groveling at the heels of power that be in DC for any mediation.