The US-China summit in Beijing that starts today may become a contest of Donald Trump's improvisational prowess and Xi Jinping's long-eyed view. The main idea is to keep their uneasy peace going. Because the alternative is worse, and both recognise the fact.
But within that space, the two leaders will test each other's limits. If Trump is 'the action officer for the China relationship' unencumbered by process or deep expertise, Xi will come prepared with a game plan worked out in detail by diplomats with extensive knowledge of the US. The Chinese don't leave anything to chance.
