Xi Jinping gave two cellphones to South Korea’s president, who asked how secure they were. “You can check if there’s a backdoor,” he said with a laugh.

The country’s new president rolled out the red carpet for China’s leader, Xi Jinping, and President Trump this week, but the superpower rivalry is making it harder to balance relations.

A preliminary tariff deal with President Trump called for a large investment in the United States, while China has warned Seoul not to side with Washington.

President Trump’s visit shows how the United States and China are vying for influence in Asia over trade, technology and the fate of Taiwan.

From Kuala Lumpur to Gyeongju, President Trump is casting himself as a deal-maker and peace negotiator, while a wary region looks for tariff relief and steadier ties.

The recent surge in demonstrations by far-right groups presents a challenge for the South Korean government, as it prepares to host both Xi Jinping, the leader of China, and President Trump.