The most consequential outcome of President Xi Jinping’s Washington visit might be his US counterpart Donald Trump’s unusually lavish welcome. It told Beijing, US allies and global markets that, however fierce the strategic rivalry, China’s importance makes sustained diplomatic engagement essential.

The airport greeting, lavish banquet at the White House and flyover by military aircraft restored the appearance of a workable relationship between two powers. Even so, Beijing has learned not to mistake presidential warmth for policy assurance.

Trump visited Beijing only four months earlier. That May meeting produced plans for new trade and investment boards alongside Chinese commitments on aircraft and agricultural purchases. Yet in July, Trump’s administration imposed new tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners, including China, alleging they had failed to curb imports made with forced labour.