Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on Chinese imports in excess of 60% but Beijing and Chinese companies are hoping that his protectionist policies will also irk U.S. allies in Europe and Asia - giving China an opening to increase its global influence and improve trade ties.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific economic (Apec) summit in Peru today.

Relations between Japan and China have worsened as Beijing builds up its military capacity in the region and Tokyo boosts security ties with the United States and its allies