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Presidential journeys internationally have historically been an chance to showcase the influence of the US on the world stage. Donald Trump's week-long tour through East Asia, by contrast, has been a show of the authority of Trump – but also, at times, of that influence's limitations.

Trump's destinations in Malaysia, Japan and Korea over the course of the first four days were an demonstration in catering to a at times volatile US leader. It was an admission that Trump, with the flick of a pen, could introduce duties and further steps that have the potential to harm the markets of trade-reliant nations.

His meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday, nevertheless, was a distinct situation.

It was a meeting of peers on the international scene, where the consequences for both nations – for their economies, for their international prestige, for the welfare of their people – were immense.

With Beijing, Trump may use his power, but these moves entail consequences. They carry a toll.

• Trump praises 'remarkable' encounter with Xi but no trade deal reached
• Xi and the US leader find short-term ceasefire as Beijing pursues extended strategy

For the opening segment, Trump's most recent entry into world politics was successful.

Each stop was marked by a mix of conventional trade negotiations – agreements made under the shadow of the president's "equivalent" duties – and special treatment that at times bordered on the subservient.

In Malaysia, the president gained access to key materials and made progress toward finalizing economic agreements with ASEAN countries. He also led a pact that should reduce territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia – the sort of "peace agreement" the president prefers to highlight.

In Japan, Trump's Marine One flew past a landmark tower lit American colors – with a top in gilded.

Freshly appointed Head the Japanese leader described $550bn in Japan's financial commitments in the US and gave the president a offering of 250 cherry trees for the United States' 250th birthday, and a golf club and case that was owned by former Prime Minister Abe, the assassinated past head who bonded with Trump in his initial presidency.

She also became the newest overseas counterpart to propose Trump for his much-desired Nobel Peace Prize.

Not to be outdone, Korea received the president with cannons discharging a honor salute and a military band that performed the leader's song and YMCA – the Village People song that has evolved into a Trump rally standard.

President the Korean president held an "award event" for Trump during which he gave the president his nation's highest medal and a model of an ancient Korean dynastic crown.

Midday meal with Lee featured a "Peacemaker's Dessert" of gilded chocolate squares. Later that day, the Koreans provided the president fine beverage at an exclusive gathering in the president's recognition with six global figures attending the APEC conference.

In the United States, Trump may be the subject of "Anti-Monarchy" protests by US citizens who disapprove of his limit-pushing extensions of presidential power, but during his regional tour he was received as nobility.

And like the kings of old, the president visited South Korea seeking contribution – in the shape of $200bn in financial transfers, $20 billion a annually, from South Korea to the United States, to be allocated at the guidance of Trump's administration. Approval on the terms of those contributions contributed to that the duty level on host nation products to the United States would drop from twenty-five percent to fifteen percent.

The central moment of Trump's regional visit came in its final hours, however, as he encountered the Chinese leader.

There, the power dynamic between leaders of the global top two markets was decidedly distinct than the exchanges Trump had with his international peers in prior visits.

Not present were typical pomp and the spectacle. No military bands, without honour guards, without thoughtfully prepared dining selections honoring shared goodwill. Instead, the both heads and their key staff sat across a large pale discussion surface in a unremarkable armed forces facility just off the runway of the city of Busan's global terminal.

It was likely a indication of the high stakes that when Trump made contact with Xi in the southern port, he seemed