Unmentioned but present, Trump is a common denominator in efforts to strengthen Asia-Europe ties

IN BEIJING: The U.K. and Chinese leaders called Thursday for a “long-term, stable, and comprehensive strategic partnership” between their two countries. The two countries committed a decade ago to building a comprehensive strategic partnership but progress has been halting at best. IN HANOI: About 1,100 kilometers to the south, Vietnam and the European Union used the same phrasing on the same day. They upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The agreement places Vietnam on the same diplomatic footing with the EU as the United States, China and Russia.