A big complaint of western businesses when Beijing first opened up its economy was that the Chinese never seemed to understand the concept of a deal. There would be a handshake and a document signing but then, when the investment money arrived or the first order from a factory was dispatched, the Chinese side would seek to renegotiate terms all over again.
That must be how President Xi is feeling now, only with the boot firmly on the other foot — in this case that of President Trump, who has his own unique approach to dealmaking.
