The phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping took a long time to come because the new administration was pondering over how to deal with America’s relations with China, as an analyst put it.

But it could also be that Beijing drove a hard bargain during the discussion on the contents of the call, particularly on the issue of the “one China” policy, a cornerstone of bilateral ties since both sides established formal relations in 1979.

What is clear is that Mr Trump and his team have made a decision to adhere to the “one China” policy, paving the way for bilateral ties to develop, though challenges remain.

… “Trade issues are easier for Beijing to engage in negotiation on and to even consider concessions,” said Associate Professor Li Mingjiang of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.