Bangladesh, Jan. 27 -- The inauguration of Donald Trump for a second term as President of the United States marked a notable moment in the evolving saga of US-China relations. Although Chinese President Xi Jinping declined to attend the inauguration event on January 20, sending Vice President Han Zheng in his place, the diplomatic maneuver underscored Chinas cautious approach toward the Trump administration. Hans presence was a formal acknowledgment, but the absence of key figures like Li Qiang, the chairman of the Chinese government, sent a clear message: Beijing is waiting for Washington to take the next step in redefining their complex relationship.

Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to “fine-tune” relations with ...