One week after the handshakes, photo ops and press conferences in Washington, we analyse whether there was really a trade deal struck between the US and China, or whether the dignitaries just kicked the can down the road.

South China Morning Post political economy editors Zhou Xin and John Carter slice and dice the outcome of the talks between the two teams lead by Liu He and Robert Lighthizer, and explain what has to happen before any deal can be signed in November.

Zhou says China has…