Chinese officials and ordinary people are hopeful but on edge as Donald Trump returns to the White House, eager to avoid a repeat of the bruising trade war that drove a wedge between the economic superpowers during his first term.

In recent months, he has said he would add tariffs of at least 10 per cent on top of what is already imposed on Chinese goods, a move that would hurt China at a time when its economy is struggling

The former president returns to Washington emboldened after winning the national popular vote over Vice President Kamala Harris by more than 2 million votes thanks to a groundswel