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American leader visits overseas have typically been an chance to demonstrate the strength of the US on the world stage. Donald Trump's five-day tour through eastern Asia, by contrast, has been a demonstration of the clout of Trump – but also, at points, of that power's boundaries.

The president's destinations in Malaysia, Japan and Korea over the duration of the first four days were an display in satisfying a at times unpredictable American president. It was an admission that Trump, with the flick of a document, could enact tariffs and additional actions that have the capacity to damage the markets of trade-reliant countries.

His sit-down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday, nevertheless, was a distinct situation.

It was a session of peers on the international scene, where the consequences for each country – for their financial health, for their world reputation, for the welfare of their citizens – were immense.

With China, Trump may wave his authority, but such actions come with repercussions. They come with a cost.

• Trump hails 'remarkable' meeting with Xi but no trade deal reached
• The Chinese president and Trump establish temporary truce as Beijing plays longer game

For the initial phase, Trump's most recent entry into international relations was uneventful.

Each destination was marked by a mix of traditional commercial discussions – deals made under the pressure of the president's "equivalent" tariffs – and special treatment that at moments bordered on the obsequious.

In Malaysia, the president obtained rights to critical minerals and made progress toward finalizing trade arrangements with regional partners. He also led a pact that should ease territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia – the type of "truce" the US leader enjoys to tout.

In the Japanese leg, Trump's Marine One flew past a landmark tower lit American colors – with a peak in golden.

Recently chosen Prime Minister Takaichi detailed $550 billion in Japan's financial commitments in the United States and presented the American president a offering of 250 cherry trees for America's 250th birthday, and a golf club and bag that belonged to former Prime Minister Abe, the murdered past head who connected with the president in his initial presidency.

She also became the newest overseas counterpart to nominate the president for his highly-coveted peace award.

Not to be outdone, Korea welcomed the president with guns performing a honor salute and a military band that performed the leader's song and the Village People song – the band tune that has evolved into a presidential event theme.

Head Lee Jae Myung held an "recognition ritual" for the US leader during which he gave the US president his country's premier award and a copy of an historical royal headpiece.

Midday meal with Lee included a "Diplomat's Sweet" of gold-encrusted brownies. Later that day, the Koreans served the president premium vintage at an exclusive gathering in Trump's honor with multiple international heads present at the regional summit summit.

In the United States, Trump may be the target of "No Kings" rallies by US citizens who reject his authority-expanding expansions of executive authority, but during his Asian swing he was treated like royalty.

And like the rulers of ancient times, Trump came to the Korean nation requesting contribution – in the guise of $200 billion in financial transfers, $20bn a year, from South Korea to the America, to be allocated at the guidance of Trump's government. Agreement on the conditions of those contributions assisted in that the duty level on South Korean goods to the America would fall from 25% to 15%.

The main event of Trump's Asia trip occurred in its concluding phase, nevertheless, as he sat down with the Chinese leader.

At that location, the power dynamic between leaders of the global top two markets was noticeably different than the meetings Trump had with his international peers in earlier stops.

Missing were typical pomp and the spectacle. Without any military bands, absent ceremonial troops, without meticulously designed meal plans honoring mutual national affection. Instead, the pair of counterparts and their senior advisors were seated across a large pale meeting furniture in a plain armed forces facility just off the runway of the city of Busan's air transport hub.

It was likely a reflection of the high stakes that when the president exchanged greetings with Xi in Busan, he seemed