The number of state media commentaries on the summit is an indication that China is taking this seriously, with five consecutive pieces in state-owned Xinhua, alongside prominent articles in People’s Daily, China Daily and the Global Times.

All have heralded the importance of the meeting.

Most pieces struck an upbeat tone, at least in part, with particular emphasis on certain areas of “positive energy”.

But many areas of disagreement remain.

While they may be couched in bland diplomatic language, a closer examination of one of the five Xinhua commentaries reveals how in each of these there is dissatisfaction with the US.

One section on “mutual respect”, for example, describes how Beijing believes the US does not respect it and instead wants to change China to be more like itself.

The commentary says China wants to be treated “as an equal”.

Another section about “peaceful coexistence” is a strong message for the US to stay away from Taiwan.

The article says that “expansion, coercion, and hegemony are not in China’s genes”.

All three are adjectives Beijing has used to characterise Washington’s track record.

The biggest obstacle to peace, it says, is the “Cold War mentality” of the US.