This year, though, China sent Han Zheng, its vice-president. He will have heard Mr Trump promise to “tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens”. But China was not singled out. Indeed, Mr Trump mentioned the country only in passing—to claim that it was operating the Panama Canal.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he has "always had a great relationship" with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that he looks forward to "getting along with China." The newly minted president said earlier this week that he may increase duties on Chinese goods by 10% as soon as Feb.