The Chinese are quite wise. I recall how they played GW Bush in the spy plane incident. After all his bluster, they "allowed" US personnel to take the downed plane apart with cutting torches. Great win, W!

And now the Chinese are aware that feeding a bloated ego with flattery is the greatest and easiest way to weaken an opponent. Trump is being played for a sucker, and it will be amusing to see how China will pull the rug out from under him. And even more amusing, how he won't even realize it!