New Delhi, May 15 -- President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spent their first day of bilateral talks on Thursday showing an eagerness to manage the economic rivalry between their countries.

Trump talked about the possibility of increased economic ties, and Xi held out the possibility of U.S. companies enjoying "even broader prospects in China."

Even the most glaring point of friction in the talks - a warning from Xi that differences over Taiwan could lead to conflict and jeopardize the relationship - could be an opportunity to dial down the tensions if the two economic powerhouses find ways to navigate their complicated relationship.

"Trump and Xi are staking out their positions on geopolitical issues that are of particul...