【明報專訊】LIU HE, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and director of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs, has concluded his tour to the United States. During Liu's visit, US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on steel and aluminium products. While it is true that the tariffs will have a greater impact on countries like Mexico, Canada and Brazil than on China, the action has nevertheless been interpreted by observers as the opening salvo in a trade war between the Trump administration and China. The action reflects a change of US official and public sentiments towards China, making one pessimistic about whether Liu's visit can reverse such sentiments.