Kuala Lampur, Oct. 21 -- When diplomacy retreats from the noise of confrontation and slips quietly into the rhythm of listening, facilitation, mediation, and mutual accommodation, it does not lose its strength - it gains traction.

Next week, Malaysia will host trade negotiations between the United States and China ahead of the meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in South Korea.

The venue - Kuala Lumpur - was not chosen by accident. It is a deliberate nod to Malaysia's growing reputation as a neutral and credible space for difficult conversations to unfold.

The fact that Washington and Beijing will meet first in Kuala Lumpur before their leaders see each ...