US and China ease trade tensions on first day of Trump’s Asia diplomacy tour

 Where things stand

 • As President Donald Trump kicks off a diplomacy tour in Asia, the US and China have reached a “basic consensus” in trade talks, Chinese negotiators said.  The announcement eases tensions ahead of Trump’s high-stakes sit-down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week.  The threat of a 100% tariff on China is now “off the table,” according to the US Treasury Secretary.

 • Trump has spent the first day of his trip in Malaysia, where he oversaw the signing of a peace agreement between the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand.  Southeast Asian leaders lavished him with praise, jokes, and applause upon his arrival. • Before he arrived in Asia, Trump announced a hike in tariffs on Canada, addressed peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine, and previewed meetings with key leaders in comments made during the long-haul flight.