“The G2 will be convening shortly,” he wrote – in all caps – ahead of the talks.

Trump’s remarks, which hinted at a global duopoly between the US and China, have worried some US allies. But how does it sit with the Chinese leadership?

Beijing is likely to have taken some pride in being treated by Washington as an equal, but its leaders would not be particularly pleased about being referred to as the G2, according to observers.

They said this categorisation would not be ideal for Beijing as the term had a “hegemonic” undertone that could harm China’s efforts with the developing world and bring it added responsibilities it might not be too eager to shoulder. Trump’s words, they suggested, should be treated as no more than political rhetoric or flattery ahead of trade talks.