President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping met on the steps of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with commentators pouring over the interaction in search of tell-tale gestures. The highly anticipated state visit saw the two leaders engage in a handshake that lasted a full ten seconds, drawing attention from body language experts worldwide.
Trump Initiates the Greeting
It was Trump who instigated the handshake, emerging from his motorcade onto the red carpet in Tiananmen Square. The American leader maintained his grip for ten seconds before reaching across with his left hand to pat Xi gently five times. This gesture, interpreted as either warmth or an attempt to control the dynamic, was notably devoid of the 'big, fat hug' Trump had promised on social media beforehand.
Expert Analysis
Peter Collett, an author and psychologist, told Newsweek that Xi's passive demeanour gave the impression that Trump was doing all the work. Collett noted that Trump did not use his usual 'yank-shake' handshake, which he typically employs to assert dominance. 'There appear to be two occasions when he doesn't do this – either when there's no need to be overbearing or when he considers the other person to be his equal,' Collett explained.
Dr Lillian Glass, speaking to The Mirror, observed that Trump leaned in towards Xi, showing warmth and closeness. She also noted Trump's squint and pursed lips, indicating the seriousness of the trip. 'This is not something we see expressed in Trump very often,' she said.
Similarities to Other Meetings
Trump's approach mirrored his greeting of King Charles III in Washington, D.C., and his reception of other strongman leaders like Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu. After the handshake, Xi greeted Trump's entourage, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The leaders then participated in a formal troop review, with anthems and cannon fire. Trump was visibly delighted by a welcoming crowd of flag-waving children, breaking into a smile and applauding before patting Xi's arm.
Previous Encounters
Trump and Xi first met during Trump's first term and have appeared together seven times, most recently at a summit in Busan, South Korea. Business etiquette expert Isabelle Vladoiu noted more 'chemistry' in this encounter compared to their first. 'The handshake was longer, the two leaders continued speaking while greeting, and Xi Jinping spent considerable time personally engaging with President Trump,' she told The New York Post.
Bilateral Talks
Inside, Trump told Xi it was 'an honor to be with you' and 'to be your friend,' pledging the relationship would be 'better than ever before.' He highlighted the 'greatest businessmen' in his delegation, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Xi warned against mishandling tensions with Taiwan, while both agreed on the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for energy flow.
