US President Donald Trump has delighted global investors with the possibility of a reduction in tariffs on Chinese imports. But his apparent willingness to de-escalate America’s trade war with the world’s second-biggest economy has been brushed off by government officials in China and ridiculed online as “chickening out.

Kenya is a key participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the ambitious plan that aims to connect Africa, Asia, and Europe through massive infrastructure and energy projects.

Mr Trump’s decision to consider backing down in his trade war comes as the harm it has caused America’s economy becomes clearer. Trade shipments between China and the US are collapsing and a critical survey of American businesses shows growth in activity slumped to a 16-month low.