Hong Kong, Nov. 3 -- The Chinese and American leaders met during the 32nd APEC Economic Ministers' Meeting in South Korea on 30 October, the first such face-to-face encounter in more than six years.

While it was positive that the world's two most powerful nations are talking, many remain concerned at the Trump administration's handling of China.

The conflab lasting less than two hours occurred at Gimhae Air Base in Busan. Trump was blessed with a handshake from Chairman Xi Jinping, praise for his role in bringing "world peace", promises from China to buy American products, and a reprieve on rare earth export restrictions.

It came at little cost to China, for it was the USA that blinked first on tariffs. Xi indicated he was open to more...