The two-day trip was orchestrated to project the image of remote and absolute power that [Chinese President] Xi [Jinping] enjoys and [President] Trump admires. There were no protests, no questions from the press, no ordinary people — nothing but pleasantries and soothing tones.

Trump brought up North Korea but said Xi could solve it. He raised the trade deficit but said it was not China’s fault. He said the Chinese people are very proud of Xi.

After all the sweet talk, the United States is expecting a lot in return from Beijing — but Xi, in the ascendant, may not budge. That could lead to disappointment in the United States and friction down the road in the relationship.