僵局 (jiāng jú): impasse; deadlock

Regarding the ownership of that plot of land, neither company is willing to give in, and the negotiations have reached an impasse.

The couple argued for days about which elementary school their child should attend, and neither could convince the other; the atmosphere at home fell into a deadlock.

Both sides refuse to budge on the ceasefire conditions, and the UN mediator worries that this conflict will remain at a stalemate for a long time.

After three hours of discussion, the meeting reached an impasse because opinions differed too greatly, so the chair had no choice but to announce a temporary recess.

The boss and the employees were deadlocked on the salary issue, and neither side was willing to speak first; this impasse lasted for a week.