A body language expert has disclosed that President Donald Trump employed a concealed five-tap code during his handshake with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The revelation came as the two leaders met at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, following a grand welcome ceremony in Tiananmen Square.
Body Language Analysis
Judi James, a body language specialist, analyzed the interaction for the Daily Mail, noting that Trump initiated the handshake from several paces away, with his palm tilted upward. This move, typically reserved for hosts, signaled an early bid for dominance. The handshake lasted ten seconds, during which Trump patted Xi's hand twice, then three times, with the first of the three pats prolonged—a gesture James interpreted as a desire to cement the relationship.
Facial Expressions and Eye Contact
James observed that Trump displayed a 'bullfrog smile' upon locking eyes with Xi, contrasting with the more animated warmth shown during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China last year. Trump maintained strong, enquiring eye contact during their conversation, without the playful demeanor exhibited with Putin.
Summit Context
This meeting marked Trump's first face-to-face encounter with Xi since the Iran war began on February 28, which caused global oil prices to surge. The formal atmosphere thawed as flag-waving children greeted Trump, who responded with applause. James noted that Trump used approval and bonding pats on Xi's arm as they walked together, fostering a sense of friendship.
Xi's Thucydides Trap Warning
Inside the Great Hall, Xi opened talks with a reference to the Thucydides Trap, warning of the dangers when an established power feels threatened by a rising one. He asked, 'Can China and the US overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm?' During the two-hour summit, Xi cautioned that mishandling Taiwan could lead to conflict, pushing the relationship into a dangerous situation.
Trump's Response
Trump was effusive, praising the pageantry as 'an honor like few have ever seen before' and telling Xi, 'It's an honor to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.'
Room Layout and Posture
James noted that the meeting room, though huge, had a relatively intimate table layout by Chinese standards, suggesting Xi's desire for direct discussions. Trump's posture was hunched forward with hands hidden beneath the table, projecting a relaxed but serious heavyweight alpha demeanor.
The visit, originally scheduled for March, was postponed due to the outbreak of the Iran war.
