The disagreement over trade tariffs has soured relations between the two countries.

贸易关税上的分歧导致两国关系恶化。

《牛津词典》

Relations between the two countries had always been glacial.

这两国间的关系一直不好。

《牛津词典》

Relations between the two countries have plumbed new depths.

这两国关系已降至最低点。

《柯林斯英汉双解大词典》

That arrest led to Rwanda asking the German government to recall its ambassador, seriously straining relations between the two countries.

VOA: standard.2009.04.10

Relations between the two countries have been strained for a year because of a disputed ancient temple on their border.

VOA: standard.2009.11.11

It would be a rare-face-to-face encounter between diplomats of the two countries, which have not had formal relations in 30 years.

VOA: standard.2009.09.11

He added that transferring Fitzsimons to a British jail could be possible since the "relations between the two countries are strong now and diplomacy can bear remarkable influence", AP reported.

BBC: Danny Fitzsimons jailed for Iraq security guard murders

Or can we interpret it as a new phase beginning in the relations between the two countries?

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and President Santos Hold a Press Conference | The White House

Pakistan denied involvement in the attack but relations between the two countries nosedived as their armies massed about a million troops along the border.

BBC: Afzal Guru hanging: Fourth day of curfew in Kashmir Valley