China certainly doesn’t relish a trade war with the US, but it was better prepared than others for Mr Trump’s tariffs, and both sides appear to be leaving room for a potential deal.
Colombia quickly caved to Mr Trump on the matter of migrant returns, but China’s ambassador has been celebrating the “best moment” in relations between Bogotá and Beijing.
Under pressure from the Trump administration, Panama announced that it would allow its participation in China’s global infrastructure plan, the belt and road initiative (BRI), to expire.
And, though China’s leader, Xi Jinping, is poised for worse to come, the second Trump term is bringing Beijing opportunities as well as problems.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House is so far proving more nightmarish for US allies and friends than adversaries.
