And all this against a backdrop of simmering trade tensions — and a bizarre case involving a US official and a possible "sonic attack." Before he pulled the plug, Trump had suggested Xi might have played a role in a recent toughening of North Korean rhetoric. On Monday, Trump suggested China might have prematurely eased up on enforcing economic sanctions against Pyongyang, a move that runs counter to the US leader's "maximum pressure" campaign. PACIFIC EXERCISEThe Pentagon on Wednesday withdrew its invitation for China to join maritime exercises in the Pacific because of Beijing's "continued militarisation" of the South China Sea. China hit back at the decision to disinvite it from the Rim of the Pacific exercises, calling it "very non-constructive" and saying it was taken without due reflection.

Source: Daily Nation May 25, 2018 01:41 UTC