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US presidential trips internationally have historically been an chance to display the influence of the American nation on the global scene. Trump's week-long trip through Asian nations, by contrast, has been a demonstration of the power of the leader – but also, at moments, of that authority's constraints.

The president's visits in Malaysia, Japan and South Korea over the span of the opening phase were an exercise in catering to a occasionally volatile president. It was an admission that Trump, with the stroke of a hand, could introduce duties and further steps that have the ability to damage the financial systems of export-oriented nations.

His meeting with Chinese leader Xi on the final day, nevertheless, was a distinct situation.

It was a session of equals on the global stage, where the consequences for the two powers – for their markets, for their international prestige, for the prosperity of their populations – were significant.

With the Chinese, the US leader may flick his power, but those steps come with consequences. They involve a cost.

• The US president describes 'remarkable' encounter with Xi but no pact finalized
• Xi and the US leader reach temporary truce as Beijing plays longer game

For the opening segment, the president's most recent venture into international relations was successful.

Each visit was marked by a combination of traditional trade negotiations – deals made under the threat of Trump's "reciprocal" taxes – and special treatment that at moments bordered on the deferential.

In the Malaysian stop, Trump secured access to key materials and made progress toward concluding trade arrangements with south-east Asian nations. He also led a treaty that should ease border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia – the kind of "truce" the president enjoys to highlight.

In the Japanese leg, the president's Marine One passed by a landmark tower illuminated US flag colors – with a peak in golden.

Freshly appointed Head Sanai Takaichi described $550bn in Tokyo's funding in the United States and presented the president a present of a quarter-thousand cherry trees for the United States' 250th birthday, and a sports gear and case that belonged to former Prime Minister Abe, the murdered ex-leader who developed ties with the president in his previous administration.

She also became the newest international head to propose Trump for his long-sought peace award.

Matching the effort, the Korean government received Trump with cannons discharging a honor salute and a military band that rendered Hail to the Chief and the classic tune – the Village People anthem that has evolved into a presidential event anthem.

President Lee held an "award event" for the US leader during which he presented the president his nation's top honor and a replica of an ancient Korean dynastic crown.

Lunch with the Korean leader contained a "Diplomat's Sweet" of gold-encrusted baked goods. Later that day, the Koreans provided Trump fine beverage at an exclusive gathering in Trump's recognition with half-dozen global figures present at the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference summit.

In the United States, Trump may be the focus of "No Kings" rallies by US citizens who oppose his limit-pushing expansions of presidential power, but during his East Asia swing he was handled as monarchy.

And like the rulers of old, Trump visited the Korean nation demanding tribute – in the shape of $200bn in monetary contributions, $20bn a year, from the host nation to the America, to be allocated at the discretion of Trump's government. Agreement on the conditions of those payments contributed to that the tax percentage on South Korean exports to the United States would decrease from a quarter to under twenty percent.

The primary focus of the president's regional visit came in its last moments, though, as he met with the Chinese leader.

In that setting, the authority balance between heads of the planet's biggest economic powers was decidedly distinct than the exchanges Trump had with his international peers in prior visits.

Absent were all the pomp and the pageantry. Without any military bands, no ceremonial troops, missing meticulously designed dining selections marking mutual national affection. Instead, the both heads and their senior advisors positioned themselves across a long white meeting furniture in a nondescript military building just near the airstrip of the southern port's international airport.

It was perhaps a reflection of the high stakes that when Trump shook hands with Xi in the Korean city, he looked