Addressing south-east Asian and Middle Eastern leaders in Kuala Lumpur this week, Chinese Premier Li Qiang had a clear message: at a time when US President Donald Trump is shaking the global trading system, Beijing wants to do business.

At a gala dinner following summit meetings with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council, Li pointed out that the assembled countries together accounted for nearly a quarter of the world’s economy and population, but much less of its trade.

“Amid heightened geopolitical conflict, rivalry and confrontation, we can create long-term strategic opportunities when we deepen mutual trust,” he said. “Amid rising protectionism and unilateralism, we can unleash enormous market opportunities when we continue to open wider.”