Donald Trump has sent mixed signals this week about whether he was planning to speak to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping soon. But this uncertainty could also reflect caution on the part of Beijing as its leaders were reluctant to just "hop on a call",

President Xi Jinping may also see a bigger opportunity here. Trump is sowing division in his own backyard, threatening to hit even the European Union (EU) with tariffs - all in his first month in office. His actions may have other US allies wondering what is in store for them.