Donald Trump has pulled back on his usual animated demeanour during his visit to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, driven by a desire to be seen as a powerful heavyweight statesman, according to a body language expert.
Trump's Visit to Beijing
The US President travelled to Beijing for a series of meetings with Xi, culminating in a highly anticipated summit. Upon arrival, Trump was welcomed with an elaborate ceremony featuring booming cannons, grand performances of both national anthems, and schoolchildren waving flowers and flags. Body language expert Judi James analysed Trump's behaviour, noting a shift from his typical mannerisms.
Body Language Analysis
James told the Mirror: 'Trump's overall body language message on this visit suggests a desire to be seen as a powerful heavyweight and statesmanlike presence, adopting a solemn approach to the meeting. He neither drops his own power signals to appear compliant nor overdoes the power-posturing rituals to engage in any stand-off with Xi. He also steers well away from any showboating or excessive ego-buffing.'
Trump and Xi held what Trump called 'extremely positive conversations' covering topics beneficial to both nations. Xi called for the two countries to work as partners rather than rivals, emphasising that the China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world.
Mirroring and Restraint
James observed considerable mirroring between the two leaders, with both adopting poses featuring splayed feet and raised chins to convey mutual strength and status. Unlike Putin, who joked and used animated gestures during his visit, Trump appeared restrained and gracious. 'As he steps out of the car, he creates a moment of pause, buttoning his jacket unhurriedly rather than darting to greet Xi. His walk towards Xi did not show disrespect; Xi waited at the end of the red carpet to offer the pomp Trump enjoys,' James noted.
Trump took some control during the handshake by initiating it and dominating the choreography to ensure his face was visible to cameras. His five patting gestures on the hand clasp seemed aimed at cementing the relationship. Trump also displayed a serious facial expression when assessing troops, but smiled genuinely when greeted by joyful children, stopping to applaud them.
James concluded: 'Trump is still tactile with Xi, but both the handshake and subsequent touches are restrained by his standards. He wants to acknowledge their friendship without compromising his serious, statesmanlike demeanour, confining himself to pats on the arm rather than anything more animated.'
