diplomacy

"Trump's coercive tariff policy is an opportunity for Chinese diplomacy," says Prof Zhang.

This appears to have been accepted by the Americans after consistent UK diplomacy, as the focus remains on a technology prosperity deal.

Vietnam’s determination to navigate a changing geopolitical landscape — with a flexible approach known as “bamboo diplomacy” — has also influenced the language its leaders use to describe the past.

Behind them are reigning sovereigns, and other delegations are sat in alphabetical order in French, the official language of diplomacy, on other benches.

This is not traditional diplomacy - but then again, Witkoff is not a traditional diplomat.