Donald Trump once boasted on social media that Chinese President Xi Jinping would offer him a "big, fat hug" ahead of his upcoming trip to China.

However, Beijing's extensive economic ties to Iran , alongside persistent trade tensions stemming from Mr Trump's first term, threaten to dampen any anticipated warmth when he arrives this week.

This comes despite Mr Trump's long-standing praise for Mr Xi, whom he views as a formidable leader deserving of his respect.

Known for his aversion to lengthy travel, Mr Trump is expected to spend only parts of three days on Chinese soil.

While some ceremonial grandeur is anticipated, the visit is unlikely to replicate the lavish "state visit-plus" reception Beijing afforded him in 2017.

Jonathan Czin, a former director for China at the National Security Council during the Biden administration, observed: "Even before this whole conflagration with Iran, they weren’t going to go state visit-plus like last time, just because things are tense".

That earlier trip saw China…