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Presidential journeys internationally have historically been an chance to display the power of the American nation on the global scene. Donald Trump's five-day swing through Asian nations, by contrast, has been a demonstration of the power of Trump – but also, at moments, of that influence's constraints.

The president's visits in Malaysia, Japan and Korea over the course of the opening phase were an exercise in satisfying a sometimes unpredictable US leader. It was an admission that Trump, with the flick of a hand, could enact duties and further steps that have the ability to damage the markets of export-oriented nations.

His sit-down with Beijing's head Xi Jinping on the last day, nevertheless, was something entirely different.

It was a meeting of peers on the world platform, where the risks for both nations – for their economies, for their global standing, for the well-being of their populations – were immense.

With China, the president may use his authority, but such actions involve consequences. They involve a price.

• The US president praises 'amazing' talks with Xi but no pact finalized
• The Chinese president and Trump find short-term ceasefire as Beijing adopts strategic patience

For the opening segment, the president's most recent foray into world politics was successful.

Each destination was punctuated by a blend of standard commercial discussions – agreements made under the shadow of the president's "equivalent" tariffs – and individual concessions that at points verged on the subservient.

In the Malaysian stop, Trump gained access to critical minerals and made advances toward completing economic agreements with south-east Asian nations. He also led a treaty that should ease frontier issues between Thailand and Cambodia – the kind of "peace agreement" the US leader loves to promote.

In Japan, Trump's Marine One passed by a famous structure displayed US flag colors – with a peak in Trumpian gold.

Freshly appointed Head Sanai Takaichi detailed $550bn in Japanese investments in the America and gave the president a gift of 250 cherry trees for the United States' 250th anniversary, and a sports gear and bag that belonged to former Prime Minister Abe, the killed ex-leader who developed ties with Trump in his initial presidency.

She also became the newest international head to propose Trump for his highly-coveted Nobel Peace Prize.

Matching the effort, South Korea received Trump with cannons performing a traditional greeting and a military band that rendered the presidential anthem and YMCA – the band tune that has become a Trump rally standard.

Head Lee held an "award event" for Trump during which he awarded the US president his nation's premier award and a replica of an ancient Korean dynastic crown.

Noon repast with Lee featured a "Peacemaker's Dessert" of gold-covered chocolate squares. Afterward, the Koreans served Trump vineyard wine at an exclusive gathering in the president's honour with six global figures attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference summit.

In the United States, Trump may be the target of "Anti-Authority" protests by Americans who reject his boundary-testing expansions of leader's control, but during his East Asia visit he was handled as royalty.

And like the rulers of old, Trump came to South Korea demanding contribution – in the shape of $200 billion in financial transfers, $20bn a annually, from Korea to the United States, to be used at the discretion of the president's leadership. Consent on the terms of those contributions contributed to that the tariff rate on Korean products to the America would fall from 25% to fifteen percent.

The main event of Trump's regional visit took place in its concluding phase, nevertheless, as he encountered the Chinese leader.

In that setting, the influence relationship between counterparts of the planet's biggest economic powers was decidedly distinct than the exchanges the president had with his overseas colleagues in prior visits.

Not present were the usual pomp and the display. Lacking service ensembles, no ceremonial troops, missing thoughtfully prepared dining selections honoring shared goodwill. Rather, the pair of counterparts and their senior advisors were seated across a long white negotiating table in a nondescript armed forces facility just near the airstrip of the city of Busan's international airport.

It was possibly a demonstration of the major consequences that when the president made contact with Xi in Busan, he seemed